Mike Tyson‘s former trainer and close friend, Jeff Fenech, believes the boxing legend could easily defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Mike Tyson’s showdown with Jake Paul could be the easiest money of his career, according to the boxing icon’s friend and former trainer.
Postponed Bout
The highly anticipated bout between Tyson and Paul was initially scheduled for July 20 at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium but was postponed due to Tyson’s health issues, as he was diagnosed with a flare-up of an ulcer problem. The fight is now set to take place on November 15 at the same Dallas Cowboys venue in front of a crowd of up to 90,000 fans. Given Tyson’s age, there are naturally question marks about whether such a bout should be taking place.
Australian boxing hero Jeff Fenech knows Tyson well having trained the ‘Baddest Man of the Planet’ at the end of his professional career in the mid-2000s. Fenech, who was in Tyson’s corner for his last pro fight – a knockout defeat to Kevin McBride back in 2005 – has reservations about whether the former heavyweight king should be stepping into the ring again, but believes it could be a short night’s work for his friend, provided he boxes cleverly.
Fenech’s Concerns and Predictions
Fenech has some concerns about Tyson’s age and the potential risks involved in the fight. However, he believes that if Tyson fights strategically, he could quickly dominate and win the match. “If it was my decision, I’d much prefer him not fight at all, but he’s going to fight,” Fenech said. “I’ve spoken to him a few times [recently]. I spoke to him about the fight. Realistically, if Mike uses upstairs and nothing else, and does the right things, this could be the easiest money he’s ever made.
“When you’re both throwing punches, it’s a 50/50 thing who lands. But if Mike concentrates and makes him miss, and then makes him pay… That’s what Mike’s an expert in, he’s got great head movement. If he does that in 30 seconds, the fight could be over in 30 seconds. Mike just needs to use his common sense, don’t try to punch when he’s punching, make him miss and make him pay.”
Paul’s Lack of Experience
Paul has won 10 of his 11 bouts, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury, but no one in the class of Tyson. Fenech believes the social media star will get a rude awakening when he feels Tyson’s power for the first time.
“Jake Paul doesn’t have the skill, the boxing knowledge,” added Fenech. “I’ve watched him but anyone can punch a pad or a bag or someone who really can’t fight. When you’re bigger and you’re stronger, that’s all good. But Mike, as a heavyweight, was a great defensive fighter. He could slip and make people miss. If he does that and lands a counter-punch, then the fight is going to be over.” Fenech declared that there’s not a chance in the world Jake Paul could take Mike a hook, a right hand or an uppercut. That’s a successful outcome he hopes for his friend.
