Mike Tyson's ex-manager says he'd try to talk boxing icon out of fighting Jake Paul because of 'the risk factors'

11/14/2024 10:00 AM

MIKE Tyson’s former manager has revealed he would try to talk the boxing legend out of fighting Jake Paul because he doesn’t like the ‘risk factors.’

Rory Holloway worked with ‘the baddest man on the planet’ from 1986 to 1997.

Tyson, 58, returns to action against Jake Paul on Friday night in a fight that will be streamed by Netflix.

However, Holloway, who drifted apart from Tyson in the late 90s following a lawsuit over the boxer’s earnings, has doubts that it is the right choice for a man who hasn’t boxed for so long.

Holloway told SunSport: “In all seriousness, if it was my choice, I would talk him out of it.

“I just don’t like the risk factors that are involved.

“At his age, he hasn’t taken punches in so long… it’s all these things I think about.

“If it was me, and I was in a position to talk to him, I would say don’t do it.”

Tyson, who is 31 years older than his opponent Paul, has been working hard in the gym to get in shape for the bout.

As SunSport exclusively revealed, his training camp is shrouded in secrecy with sparring partners forced to sign NDAs.

However, at an open workout to kick off fight week Tyson nearly knocked out his own trainer – with a video clip showing that he had not lost some of the magic that led to his moniker, ‘the baddest man on the planet.’

Holloway revealed that he was shocked to see Tyson training so hard.

He said: “It’s funny watching him prepare. I was with this guy for almost for as long as he’s been putting gloves on and I’ve never seen him train so hard and he’s 58!

“We couldn’t get him to train that hard at 28! It’s funny to me.”

Tyson has to reportedly pass two tests before he fights Paul amid fears over his health.

The controversial event will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Tyson has not had a sanctioned bout in two decades.

The fight has already been postponed once after Tyson suffered an "ulcer flare-up" while being taken ill on a plane.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements were agreed months ago.

One of the tests will be an EEG to check Tyson's brain. While the other is an EKG to make sure his heart is healthy.

TDLR rep Tela Mange said: “Thorough pre-fight physicals will be conducted by TDLR-appointed physicians, who will discuss Mr Tyson's medical history with him.”

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Previously, Tyson has said he’s willing to die in the ring to beat Paul.

Speaking in a clip on Netflix, he said: “I don't do anything if I don't risk being embarrassed. Like now I want to fight this young motherf****r.

“This is really big for me, if I win I will be immortal. If I do it bad, I don't want to die in a hospital bed, I want to die in the ring.”