The world is divided when it comes to the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight! While some are sure ‘Iron’ Mike will handle ‘The Problem Child’ with ease, others have raised doubts because of Tyson’s age. However, who better to get a clear picture than someone who has trained Tyson in the past? Who is that?
It’s none other than Ronnie Shields! The man who trained ‘Iron’ Mike for the Lennox Lewis fight in 2002. Amid all the commotion about who will emerge victorious at AT&T Stadium on July 20, Fight Hype caught up with the former Featherweight boxer to get his predictions for the fight. And let’s just say Shields didn’t disappoint!
Ronnie Shields thinks pressure will get to this boxer
Speaking to the reporter, Shields didn’t take long to dissect the upcoming fight! He said, “Well, it can go two ways. Mike knows the sport. Been in it his whole life. So, he knows how to pace himself to go eight-two-minute rounds.” Meanwhile, turning to Jake Paul, considering his past fights, Shields deduced an unsuccessful attempt.
“Jake Paul hasn’t been in a position yet, especially against a stronger fighter like Mike Tyson. The pressure is going to be more on Jake Paul than Mike Tyson,” said the retired boxer. When the reporter tried to confirm Shields’ prediction about Tyson’s win, that too a win via knockout, Shields had just one word. He said, “Absolutely.” However, what about the odds of the fight? What do the oddsmakers say?
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: The odds don’t lie
This summer’s highly anticipated boxing match will be a professional one sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, with a direct impact on their boxing records. Even though Paul and Mike are pointing at each other to give credit for the same. While many have disregarded Paul’s youth over Tyson’s experience, DraftKings isn’t one of them.
On April 30, the sports betting platform revealed the odds for the upcoming fight and it seems like Tyson’s age is too much for them to make him the favorite. According to their tweet, Jake Paul is favored with -170, while Tyson is the underdog with +130. There could be several reasons for these odds.
First, the fight will have a 31 years age gap, the biggest in the history of the sport. And second, Tyson hasn’t won a professional bout since February 2003. While he did fight Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 in an exhibition match, it ended in a split decision draw.
With such opposing opinions, getting a clear picture of the fight has become truly confusing. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from either corner, supporting their favorite boxer. Who are you betting on? Do you think Paul can win?
