For years, WWE has promoted itself as a sports entertainment company and it has helped its crossover appeal. Athletes from other sports like boxing, MMA, NFL, and even other celebrities have featured and wrestled with WWE programming. Taking a cue from this boxing has also dipped its toes into the ‘sportainment’ in the last few years. Some big non-boxing names have fought in the ring to garner publicity and mainstream attention for the sport. Recently, YouTuber turned pro boxer Jake Paul squared off against MMA legend Anderson Silva in a high-profile boxing match.

WWE legend Ric Flair praised Jake Paul for his achievements and had high praise for both Paul brothers. However, he also advised Jake Paul against calling out boxing icon Mike Tyson in the future.

Flair warned Jake Paul to not mess with Mike Tyson

Both Jake and Logan Paul have made inroads into the world of combat sports. Jake Paul has become a professional boxer and his brother Logan signed with the WWE earlier this year. Moreover, Jake Paul is undefeated so far in his professional boxing career with a 6-0 record.

On a recent episode of his ‘To Be The Man’ podcast, 16-time World Champion Ric Flair praised the two brothers and revealed that he Face timed with them prior to Jake Paul’s huge win over Anderson Silva. He mentioned the brothers were good athletes.

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His appreciation for Jake Paul came with advice and a subtle warning as well. ‘The Nature Boy’ said while Jake Paul’s adventure with Anderson Silva is fine, he shouldn’t call out Mike Tyson. 

‘Naitch’ said, “My only advice to Jake Paul would be, don’t call out Mike Tyson. [laughs] Anderson Silva, okay. I like Anderson, I know him personally. But I wouldn’t want to mess with Mike Tyson, I see Mike all the time. That might be more than he can chew.”

Iron Mike was one of the fiercest boxers of his time and had an impressive record. Tyson won 50 of his 58 fights with 44 of those wins coming via knockout. In a career spanning over 20 years, Tyson won the heavyweight WBC title aged just 20. In all, he won six belts in the heavyweight division. His intimidating style earned him the nickname ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’.

Although his boxing days may be behind him, having last fought in 2005, Tyson can still more than pack a punch. Over the years, he has also made appearances in pro wrestling and WWE inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ric Flair is friends with Tyson and knows very well what he is capable of. Jake Paul did record an impressive win over Anderson Silva in Arizona, but he would do well to steer away from confronting Mike Tyson and concentrating on his thriving boxing career.

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