Paul and Tyson are set to face off in less than two weeks.
In the lead-up to one of the most anticipated crossover fights in boxing, concerns are rising over Mike Tyson’s readiness to face Jake Paul.
While Tyson, now 58, remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures, former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen is among those questioning Tyson’s commitment and fitness for the bout.
Despite Tyson’s fame as a fierce competitor, Sonnen suspects that the former heavyweight champion may not be training with the intensity required to face the younger Paul.
While Tyson has shared brief training clips showing his classic pad work and some cardio routines on Netflix, Sonnen suggests these sessions may not be enough.
“If Mike Tyson doesn’t have a single trainer or workout partner speaking to the media about training with him, something’s not right,” Sonnen recently shared in a YouTube video.
“He’s got a studio with a heavy bag… I could be wrong, but nobody’s confirmed he’s even working out with a team.”
Concerns over Tyson’s preparations
Sonnen’s skepticism goes beyond mere curiosity. He believes that if Tyson isn’t truly prepared, a poor performance could leave fans disillusioned with celebrity boxing bouts, affecting future interest.
“If Tyson goes out there and he gets mauled by Jake, you’re going to have a whole bunch of fans that are very upset the next time you try to pull something like this,” Sonnen warned.
His caution highlights a growing concern among combat sports fans that these matches may risk the integrity of boxing if poorly executed.
Still, recent footage from Tyson’s camp has offered a glimmer of hope for his supporters. In a recent clip, Tyson unleashed a series of powerful punches that showcased his trademark intensity, hinting that his strength and athleticism remain intact.
Although there is a significant 31-year age gap between him and Paul, Tyson’s performance in these brief snippets suggests he may still possess enough skill to make the fight competitive.
His power punches in training alone have already captured the attention of fans eager to see if the legend can still perform at a high level.
Team confident despite skepticism
Despite the public’s worries, those close to Tyson are convinced he’s ready. One of his trainers recently weighed in, sharing that Tyson’s physical readiness should not be a concern.
“Movement’s great, agility’s great. Conditioning is amazing, power’s unbelievable,” he shared, trying to reassure fans that Tyson is indeed prepared.
For Tyson’s camp, the former champion’s power, speed, and agility appear more than adequate to face Paul, despite Sonnen’s reservations.
As the fight approaches, fans and critics alike are watching to see if Tyson’s legendary power and skill can hold up.
This showdown promises excitement, but whether Tyson’s preparations will meet the challenge remains to be seen.