Former boxing star Paulie Malignaggi believes fans may demand boxing is banned if Jake Paul does some serious damage against Mike Tyson.

The controversial showdown between the two boxing stars is scheduled to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas in front of up to 80,000 fans. The pair will finally settle the score in the squared-circle after ‘Iron Mike’ was forced to withdraw from the original date earlier this year after suffering an ulcer flare up on a flight. Tyson was advised to stop training, but has recently returned to the gym and insists he will be fit to make the walk to the ring next week.

Next week’s clash will see the two boxing stars meet in a professional showdown in an eight two-minute round format – as opposed to the more standard three-minute rounds. The sanctioned fight has already been approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Both boxers will wear 14-ounce gloves, heavier than the standard gloves.

Since the confirmation of the heavyweight bout, many within the boxing community have slammed the decision to go ahead with the event, especially due to the large gap between the two fighters as well as Tyson’s having to pull out of the original date due to health issues. One of those who has been open about expressing their concerns for the fight is Eddie Hearn. The boxing promoter is expected to attend the event to support Katie Taylor in her mouthwatering rematch with Amanda Serrano, but recently claimed he will leave before the main event.

Another critic of the fight is Malignaggi – who has warned ‘The Problem Child’ that viewers could potentially demand that the whole sport be banned should he seriously hurt his upcoming opponent. “Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike’s age aren’t good. When you’re younger, you can handle hits better”, he said.

“When you’re older, your body isn’t made for that kind of damage anymore. Things could go badly wrong. If something like that happened, people would be calling for the sport to be banned. Personally, I don’t think his fight with Jake Paul should happen. He’ll be 58 years old by then. Fifty-eight is still 58. We live in a generation that doesn’t understand ageing is a real thing. You can show highlights of Mike from the ’80s, but the guy stepping into the ring won’t be that same Mike Tyson”.

Jake Paul has gained a reputation for his punch power in his short boxing career

Jake Paul has gained a reputation for his punch power in his short boxing career ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

Malignaggi’s warning continued, with the American seriously concerned that Paul could harm Tyson given his age. Speaking to Canada Casino, he added: “Jake Paul might not be world-class, but he’s certainly not a novice. He’s been boxing for about five years. After four years of boxing, I won the US National Championships, so Jake’s far from a beginner. He’s strong and young. Hitting someone Tyson’s age has serious risks. Tyson wasn’t taking punches well at 36, let alone now. If you hit a guy who’s that old, it affects them. Imagine what getting hit by a strong guy like Jake would do to him. I wouldn’t want to find out”.

Tyson’s last professional outing came back in 2005 when he suffered a defeat to former heavyweight contender Kevin McBride. He did, however, return to the ring in an exhibition showdown against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr four years ago. As for Paul, the young American comes into the clash off the back of a brutal knockout win over former UFC welterweight contender Mike Perry back in July.

Despite being the younger and fitter fighter, Paul has admitted that he is nervous ahead of the fight, with just a few days to go until they go glove-to-glove. When asked if he ever has moments of shock about the fight, he replied: “Definitely. The moments of insecurity, especially moving up to heavyweight where [Tyson] has the weight advantage and all of that. He’s insanely powerful and I know he’s taking it seriously”.