Boxing fans are in for a generational clash this summer. Jake Paul will take on the legendary Mike Tyson, 58, in a highly anticipated matchup on July 20th, 2024 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA. The fight, available to all Netflix subscribers, pits a young and brash competitor against a heavyweight icon whose prime came and went nearly three decades ago. So why the strange matchup now?

Paul, boasting a 9-1 record with impressive knockouts over former UFC stars and a couple of pro boxers, will look to continue his meteoric rise in the boxing world. Tyson, meanwhile, steps back into the ring after a 2020 exhibition bout, bringing his storied career full circle against a new generation of fight fans. Many would side with Tyson because of his glorious past, however, Tony Jeffries, an Olympic medalist, advises boxing fans not to make a decision based on their feelings.

Tony Jeffries reasons that Mike Tyson isn’t the same Iron Mike anymore

After looking at the majority of fans learning towards Mike Tyson for the victory over Jake Paul, Jeffries decided to put his point forward. He tried to explain the reason why Mike Tyson would probably struggle against Jake Paul, as he isn’t t the same ‘Iron’ Mike that people remember. His main reason was that Tyson isn’t living the life of an athlete, on the other hand, Paul has endorsed the lifestyle of a professional athlete and has been in camp for a while now.

Jeffries said, “With the fights that Mike Tyson’s had in his career, against the best heavyweights out there, taking some big solid punches to the chin, being knocked out multiple times, and with the lifestyle he’s been living, what do you think his punch resistance will be like now?” Then he compared him with his younger opponent. “Jake, on the other hand, has been living like an elite athlete. He’s got the money to be able to hire the best teams, the best nutritionist, the best chefs the best training team, the best strength coaches, everything he’s got there to be.”

Furthermore, he discussed how Jake Paul has been striving to elevate the sport to an entirely new level. Jeffries admires him for that reason. However, he is quite disheartened that Tyson can still be bought, despite possessing everything a boxer of his caliber could desire.

Jeffries unable to comprehend Tyson’s choice

Tony Jeffries expressed his viewpoint unequivocally. He acknowledged that his legacy might not be as illustrious as Mike Tyson’s, yet he wouldn’t risk it for even $20 million. However, he finds it disheartening to consider that Tyson could be swayed by such an amount, as he sees no compelling reason for ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ to consent to such a match.

Read More: Mike Tyson Told to Eat Jake Paul’s Ear as Recent Sign to “Death” Video Gets Fans Riled Up Ahead of July Fight

Jeffries mentioned, “It’s sad that Mike Tyson can be bought. I mean, I guess there will be something deep inside him that like, you know, misses the fame, and the limelight, the big stage I guess. But really Mike Tyson can have the line anywhere he goes, at that event where I was, where I got the picture took with him, everyone idolized him.” He further continued, “They couldn’t believe it was ‘Iron’ Mike. He’s getting recognition anywhere he goes, he can do just anything he wants.”

Jeffries then proceeds to attribute the blame to the former boxing champion’s team, suggesting that they might have planted the idea in his mind. Moreover, Jeffries did not support Tyson’s decision and expressed his disappointment about the entire situation. What is your take on this? Tell us in the comments section.

Also Read: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Backlash: Eddie Hearn Called Out Over “Hypocritical” Remarks by MVP CEO