The winner of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson could already have their next fight lined up.
Paul and Tyson will meet on July 20 in a high-profile showdown, that has surprisingly been declared as a professional contest despite the latter approaching age 58.
A new wave of crossover boxing has seen legends return to the ring including Evander Holyfield, who was beaten by KO in under two minutes of a farcical exhibition bout against Vitor Belfort in September 2021.
And UFC legend Belfort, who won a world title in the light-heavyweight division, believes he has earned a shot against one of the two huge names.
He told World Boxing News: “I am looking for the fight that really makes sense for me.
“We have a couple of offers, but we are waiting for the right ones. I want to fight the winner of this fight, and I think I deserve it.
“It depends on the moment. I cannot wait very long for him [Paul], but he deserves fights. He has shown a lot of evolution and is very good.”
“It is good business for both fighters. They generate a lot of money for each other, which is good for the sport.
“I don’t think it would be a good idea if he only trained for this fight. A fighter always has to keep up a healthy lifestyle. I hope that he is.
“This fight feels more like an exhibition, and I don’t think Mike is the same fighter he used to be.”
Belfort boxed and defeated Jacare Souza on Jorge Masvidal’s lavel Gamebred Boxing in April 2023, but is way beyond his own prime aged 47.
It was a sad ending to the career of Holyfield despite it only being an exhibition, which serves a warning for his former rival Tyson, who is 31 years older than Paul.
Tyson has been documenting his training in footage posted to his social media, where he has shown off his power in small bursts leading to fears for Paul.
But in reality, a professional fight could be dangerous for Tyson who has received multiple medical warnings over the lasting damage a KO could leave on his physical health.
British cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe has suggested Tyson should abandon plans to make a comeback before it’s too late.
He told talkSPORT.com: “He is definitely in danger and I think it is sad to see as a boxing fan.
“I fight and I don’t want to see a fellow boxer at that age, at 58, I just think he has had his time.
“I think he is done and should stay that way, but people will do what they want to do at the end of the day.
“I feel like it is just dangerous, and the idea of a YouTube boxer beating Mike Tyson is not a nice feeling for me.
“He could have that on his record and it is not nice as a boxing fan because we see Mike Tyson as a legend.”
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News Summary:
- Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson winner made fight offer by UFC legend who knocked out Evander Holyfield in under two minutes
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