Ex-lightweight champion Anthony Crolla claims a Mike Tyson knockout of Jake Paul would “make a lot of people in boxing happy.”

The much-anticipated bout between YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul and boxing legend Tyson is drawing closer, with both fighters deep into their training regimens. The fight is set to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, and will be recognized as a professional heavyweight contest.

Paul has been under fire since the announcement of the fight, especially after Tyson had to withdraw from their original matchup earlier this year due to an ulcer flare-up. Tyson, 58, hasn’t fought professionally since 2005 when he was defeated by Kevin McBride.

Jake Paul, known as “The Problem Child”, has been active in the ring since his 2020 debut, boasting victories over Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. His sole loss came at the hands of Tommy Fury last year via points decision.

Paul enters the ring against “Iron Mike” following a devastating knockout victory over former UFC welterweight Mike Perry. Crolla has opened up to Freebets.com about his mixed feelings on the much-talked-about heavyweight clash. The 37-year-old commended Paul’s dedication but questioned the wisdom of the fight, pointing out the significant age difference between the two fights.

Despite this, Crolla expressed that many in the boxing community would be thrilled if Tyson could secure a win. “I think it’s a bit dangerous, we don’t know what kind of place Mike Tyson will be in.” he said. “He looked great in the exhibition with Roy Jones Jr.

Tyson hasn't fought professionally since 2005

Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since 2005 ( 

Image:

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“But Jake Paul could never lace Mike’s gloves when anywhere near his best. He shouldn’t be anywhere near him (Tyson). One thing about Jake Paul is he does train like a boxer. He puts the effort in and there’s no denying the improvements.

“But I think it’s so hard to predict, because I don’t know what Mike Tyson has left. He could go in there and blow him away in a round or so.

“Jake Paul has improved, Mike Tyson’s age – it’s a mad one. It’s hard to even make sense of it, Mike’s approaching 60! It’s going to be either horrendous viewing or Mike Tyson would walk through him, and I’d think he’d make a lot of people in boxing happy.”

While Paul is preparing for the fight with dedication, Crolla has made a surprising revelation that “The Problem Child” wouldn’t be fazed even if he gets knocked out by the boxing legend. He added: “Yep, he probably wouldn’t mind becoming a GIF or reel. The fight against Tommy I was more impressed with Jake than Tommy that day, even though I do believe Tommy just nicked it. But Jake is trying his best, having proper training camps.”

As the fight with Tyson approaches in less than a month, Paul has spent hours studying the veteran’s past fights and anticipates that he will attempt “to trap me on the ropes and then get blows off to angles on each side”. When questioned about his strategy, Paul responded: “To just box on the outside and then use my footwork to be more agile and get him chasing me and then attack him when he’s out of position. That should frustrate him.”