Tyron Woodley, former UFC welterweight champion, believes that despite the significant age difference, the upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will be an evenly matched showdown. On November 15, YouTube star turned boxer Paul (10-1) will step into the ring against 58-year-old Tyson (50-6-2) at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Although Tyson’s age has raised concerns among fans and boxing professionals, Woodley is convinced the bout will be competitive.
Woodley, who fought Paul twice in 2021—losing the first bout by split decision and the second by a knockout on short notice—thinks Tyson’s age balances the scales.
“It’s a very even fight, to be honest,” Woodley shared in an interview with TMZ. “It’s even because of the age of Mike Tyson. He’s obviously completely out of his prime. When in his prime, most of his fights were almost attempted murder. So literally, Jake wouldn’t have stood a chance.”
For some, the fact that Texas has sanctioned this fight as an official bout is controversial, with concerns about Tyson’s readiness to face the much younger Paul. However, Woodley has a unique perspective on Paul’s strategy when it comes to his opponents. Woodley explained that Paul has consistently chosen fighters who, if they defeat him, earn respect, and if they lose, boost Paul’s reputation.
“Jake’s always on a win-win situation,” Woodley said. “He’s fighting guys that if he loses, ‘You lost to this guy, you lost to Tyron, you lost to Anderson Silva, you lost to Nate Diaz or whatever.’ So he’s always in a position where, if he wins, he goes up. If he loses, it’s like OK, he took a risk, he took a chance.”
As for the fight itself, Woodley plans to attend, expressing interest in the outcome of what he sees as a “very even fight” given Tyson’s legendary past balanced against his age. Tyson, known for his ferocious speed and power in his prime, might still pack a punch, while Paul’s youth and recent success in the ring present their own set of advantages, making for an intriguing clash between two fighters from vastly different eras.
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