Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul is the most controversial bout in perhaps the entire history of the sport. After all, not only is there a three-decade difference in their ages, but ‘Iron Mike’ has a history of health issues, including mobility issues which have even compelled him to use a wheelchair at times.

But Mike Tyson, despite being retired for almost two decades, remains the most recognizable combat sports athlete and beloved in the fight community. This is why Paul, who largely fights smaller retired mixed martial artists, has chosen to box Tyson. ‘The Problem Child’ undoubtedly must have known the outrage that his fight with Tyson would elicit. But he still went ahead with it, claiming it was because of the respect he has for Tyson.

But Dana White, on the ‘2 Bears 1 Cave’ podcast, thinks respect had nothing to do with it. The UFC CEO, who is good friends with Tyson, felt that Jake Paul wanted to capitalize on Tyson’s popularity, whom he knew could sell pay-per-views, calling Tyson the “golden goose”.

However, perhaps because of his love for Tyson, the Power Slap founder went all out in praising the fight. In addition, the Las Vegas resident felt that the fight would be great for Tyson financially whether the former heavyweight champ wins or loses. Regardless, the one concern that White did have, was the one that almost all fight fans have- 58-year-old ‘Iron Mike’s health.

Listen Mike gets mad at me every time I talk about this. So, yeah, I think it’ll be a great fight I think, the greatest fight you guys ever seen in the world. And okay but listen I what I want out of this is I hope Mike makes a shitload of money and he will, when, if this fight happens and I just don’t want to see him get hurt,” he said. And this concern is shared by his friend and UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan feels Mike Tyson still has a chance

Joe Rogan had initially wished Mike Tyson with his failing health wouldn’t fight Jake Paul, who is not even thirty and in the athletic prime of his life. And while that was his initial reaction, he is far more hopeful now. Tyson, of course, is one of the biggest inspirations behind Rogan becoming a martial artist. And the UFC commentator feels that if Tyson can show even a glimpse of his fear-inspiring past self and catch Paul early, that may just be enough.

“Look, at the end of the day, Mike Tyson is a monster. And if he can get that monster to just move in and close the distance and he uncorks a boom boom on Jake Paul, and watch Jake Paul going to queer street, that will be wild,” Rogan said on his podcast.

Of course, that is more wishful thinking than anyone else. After all, a person’s gas tank and stamina are among the most important factors in a boxing match, and clearly, Tyson is far behind Paul in that department. Although as far as power is concerned, ‘Iron Mike’ has a scary amount of it, first, he needs to catch Paul in order to unload his power on him. And he may well do it at least once in their November 15 clash.

What are your predictions for their bout? Let us know in the comments section below.