Jake Paul has received a stark warning that his upcoming bout with Mike Tyson could spark calls for boxing to be banned if the YouTube star inflicts serious harm on the veteran fighter.
The two are set to square off in Arlington, Texas, on 15 November, following the postponement of their original fight due to a medical emergency involving Tyson. Concerns over Tyson's health persist, especially after the 58 year old confessed to finding it "hard to walk" post-training sessions and is slated for a pre-fight medical examination.
Ex-professional boxer Paulie Malignaggi has voiced his concerns, cautioning Paul about the potential repercussions of injuring Tyson during their match. He commented: "Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike's age aren't good. When you're younger, you can handle hits better."
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Malignaggi continued, highlighting the risks associated with an older athlete taking hits: "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."
Malignaggi has expressed serious concerns about the potential harm that Paul could inflict on Tyson due to his age. In a conversation with Canada Casino, he warned: "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."
Malignaggi is not alone in his concern over the upcoming fight. UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock also voiced his worries, suggesting that fans could be left mourning a boxing icon if Paul were to win.
"Here's what I say because like I said, I think what Jake Paul and them guys are doing is brilliant, I really do," Shamrock stated. "I think them never fighting a contender but making more money than any world championship fight is brilliant. I mean it's brilliant but this one's not good. Because Jake Paul can't win."
