Mike Tyson's last opponent has issued a warning to Jake Paul ahead of their historic fight this week.
Tyson and Paul are scheduled to fight on Friday. Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty/Netflix
Netflix is set to play host to one of the most highly-anticipated events in boxing history as 'El Gallo de Dorado' Jake Paul steps into the ring with 'The Baddest Man on the Planet', Mike Tyson.
However, just before the fight, the 58-year-old's final opponents have spoken out with a stern warning to Paul.
Back in June 2005, Tyson fought his last competitive fight against Kevin McBride.
Kevin McBride was Tyson's final competitive opponent. Credit: Focus On Sport / Getty
Despite walking away with the win, McBride admits that he still feels the effects of Tyson's incredible and ferocious power.
In an interview with BloodyElbow.com, McBride issues a warning to Paul.
"Jake Paul is a young kid," McBride highlighted - shining a spotlight on the 27-year-old’s inexperience when compared to 58-year-old Tyson. "He has youth with him but Mike Tyson’s power is unbelievable. I still feel it to this day, more than 19 years later.
"He hits so hard and power is the last thing to go. George Foreman proved that against Michael Moorer. Sure he was a bit younger than Mike is now but power-wise it is one of the biggest punches in history and he can probably knock Jake out."
Of course, Tyson would return to the ring four years ago - this time for an exhibition fight.
Roy Jones Jr went head-to-head in an exhibition clash with Tyson back in 2020 and was left re-thinking his choices after the veteran went all in, landing some clean face and body shots reflecting his prime days.
Roy Jones Jr. fought Tyson back in 2020. Credit: Gareth Copley/Getty
In an interview with Andre Ward, the American fighter alerted the social media star about Tyson's punching power, despite his age.
When asked by Ward how it felt being punched by the heavyweight legend, Jones Jr said: "First time he hit me in the chest, it felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest. At 57-years-old: I said 'Oh my goodness, ok! You won't hit me no more.'"
Tyson and Jones Jr. back in 2020. Credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty/Triller
In a separate interview, he doubled down on this stating that Tyson's skills will most likely end up winning him the upcoming battle.
Speaking to MMANytt.com, he said: “I believe in Mike, likely via decision. But if he wants to finish it, he can. Yet, if he’s just looking to enjoy the fight, he might take it slow and have some fun."
"I’m not worried about Mike and his age. Mike is still hard to hit, and he hits like a truck," Jones Jr added.
Paul has received some criticism for fighting someone in his late 50s, but to him, it's not about age and instead, it's about living out his dreams.
"A lot of people are wondering 'Jake, why are you doing this? Even if you beat him, they're going to say he's old,'" he told the outlet. "But to me, Mike Tyson wanted to fight me."
He continued: "That is an honor. He's one of the most famous boxers in the world to ever do it. To step in there with someone of his nature is an honor and a dream come true. It's going to be a spectacle on Netflix."
Tyson and Paul will fight on November 15. Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty
Both Tyson and Paul will go head-to-head on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas in front of approximately 80,000 fans.
The pair were due to fight earlier this year, but Tyson was forced to pull out of the contest after suffering an ulcer flare-up in May.
Is Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul a professional boxing match?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has officially sanctioned Friday night's fight as a professional heavyweight match -- however, it does come with several unique modifications compared to your standard fight.
Instead of the standard 10-ounce gloves, Paul and Tyson will wear 14-ounce gloves, minimizing the risk of a knockout. On top of this, each round will be shortened to two minutes, with a total of eight rounds planned - a call that will undoubtedly favor Tyson’s legendary explosiveness.
Commenting on Tyson's unyielding stamina, Jones Jr said: "When I boxed [Tyson] four years ago, we did two-minute rounds, and, surprisingly, he didn’t lose energy; he kept the same pace."
The fight will be available to watch on Netflix.