Mike Tyson compared to John Fury ahead of ‘ridiculous’ Jake Paul boxing fight

Many have criticised the fight taking place, with Tyson set to return to the ring next month at the age of 58 when he takes on the YouTuber-turned-boxer

Mike Tyson and John Fury (
Image: Getty Images)

Tommy Fury has compared Mike Tyson to his father John ahead of the boxing legend’s showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul next month.

The controversial showdown between the two stars is scheduled to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas. Tyson, who will be 58 when he steps foot in the ring against Paul, hasn’t fought since 2020 – an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. The American’s last professional outing came back in 2005 when he suffered a defeat to Kevin McBride. As for Paul, ‘The Problem Child’ last stepped foot in the squared-ring back in July, defeating former UFC fighter Mike Perry.

Both men were scheduled to face off earlier this year. However, the boxing legend was forced to pull out after suffering from an inflamed ulcer. Tyson was advised to stop training on his doctor’s order, but has recently returned to the gym ahead of next month’s contest. That said, the 58-year-old recently revealed he was struggling to walk after completing six rounds of sparring – further adding concerns for his health ahead.

Since the confirmation of the bout, many have slammed the fight, mainly due to the massive age gap between the two boxers. One man who has criticised the fight is Fury. The 25-year-old famously handed Paul the first defeat of his boxing career back in 2023, winning via a tight split-decision.

Like many in the boxing community, Fury has doubled down on criticism regarding the fight. “I think it’s absolutely terrible,” Fury told Boxing News. “The man (Tyson) is 60 years of age, against a 26-year-old. It doesn’t float my boat. Mike Tyson is the same age as my dad. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. So, I’m not interested in that fight at all. He (Paul) couldn’t beat me so he’s going to have to fight a 60-year-old now, so he’s definitely gone in the right direction, let’s say that.”

‘The Problem Child’ has developed a bit of habit of being able to knock fighters out in brutal fashion, which has been a key factor as to why many have criticised the upcoming fight with Tyson. However, speaking to Fight Hub TV after the clash with Paul, Fury wasn’t impressed and thought that he’d been hit much harder.

“It wasn’t… I’ve been around this job my whole life, I’ve sparred a lot of people, been in the ring sparring some real punchers,” he said. “His power wasn’t anything that was worrying me at all. That’s why I had my hands down, I wasn’t really that bothered. That’s it really. He’s a good strong lad but he’s not the hardest hitter that I’ve ever fought.”

Many fans believe that Tyson is not taking the fight seriously after a staggering admission. During a recent chat with Jimmy Kimmel, ‘Iron Mike’ claimed he was training six hours a day. “I am training extremely hard, I do six hours a day. I start at 11am and might leave the gym at 5pm,” he said. Kimmel looked stunned and replied: “Oh no. 11am? So that’s six hours straight, or is there a lunch break?” The former heavyweight champion admitted there was a small break as a shocked Kimmel gasped: “Oh no.”