Photo credit: Marca
The training footage of Mike Tyson has misled fans into believing he's adequately prepared to take on Jake Paul.
The heavyweight boxing legend Tyson surprised the world with his return to the ring for a lucrative bout against Jake Paul on July 20 at Texas's AT&T Stadium. Concerns have been raised regarding Tyson's fitness, especially given his age of 57 and recent sightings with a walking stick.
Tyson training footage is misleading
Upon the release of training footage from Tyson's camp, fans marveled at his explosive power, prompting some to urge Paul to reconsider the fight. However, rising boxing star Campbell Hatton, son of British legend Ricky Hatton, suggests that the footage is being used to rationalize the bout.
There is also a rumor that the footage is from a number of years ago, prior to his comeback exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
"People are getting carried away because Tyson looks incredibly formidable in training videos," Hatton expressed in an interview with talkSPORT.com.
"But people are justifying the fight based on his training prowess."
Hatton emphasized Tyson's age, noting that despite his punching abilities, at 57, enduring rounds of fighting and taking shots is a significant challenge. He lamented the potential negative message Tyson's defeat could send to young fans, who have been captivated by the training footage.
"If Jake Paul knocks him out due to Tyson's age and diminished resistance, it could mislead young fans," Hatton cautioned.
"It might give the wrong impression to newcomers who've been introduced to boxing through YouTube."
The bout between Tyson and Paul reportedly seeks professional rules, a notion that Hatton finds alarming.
While rumors of fighting with headgear were dismissed, uncertainty looms over whether sanctioning bodies will approve the event as a professional contest, especially given the age disparity between the two combatants.
Meanwhile, Hatton himself is preparing for a significant match on March 23, challenging James Flint for the central area title in Sheffield as he continues a promising young career, looking to replicate the successes his father had in becoming world champion.
