Larry Holmes has insisted Mike Tyson’s boxing legacy is secure, no matter what happens during his bout with Jake Paul next month.
However, the 74-year-old does feel ‘all hell will break lose’ if the 27-year-old comes out on top when the fight takes place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Many figures within the boxing world believe Tyson is making a big mistake.
He retired from the sport back in 2005 after being outclassed by Kevin McBride and, though he featured in an exhibition clash in 2020, it’s unclear how he’ll fare in a professional bout.
Boxing news: Larry Holmes insists Mike Tyson’s legacy is safe no matter what ahead of his controversial clash with Jake Paul
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Holmes thinks Tyson’s legacy is safe no matter what, however.
Speaking to OLBG, he said: “No, it won’t affect Tyson’s legacy if he loses, but if Jake wins all hell is going to break loose.
“If Jake Paul wins they’re going to have a parade all setup, that’s what’s going to happen.
“I’m not saying he wins, but if he does, people are going to go crazy.
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“But I don’t care who wins, these guys are making more money in one fight than I did in 70 fights. I’m glad these guys are making money.”
Paul is widely considered to be the favourite to reign supreme.
He will have youth on his side and has fought more recently, having gone up against Mike Perry back in July.
But Holmes feels Tyson is capable of hurting his opponent and believes the 58-year-old can’t be underestimated.
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“I watched a clip of Mike Tyson this morning and all I can say is Jake better be ready if he’s going to fight Mike,” he continued.
“Mike will be able to last the two minute rounds. Mike comes to fight when he puts his mind to it, he goes to work on you. And that’s what I’ve seen today. And if this guy tries to trade punches with Mike, he loses.
“Mike is a puncher. I fought Mike and he hit me and that was the end of it.
“Earnie Shavers was one of the hardest punchers there’s ever been and Mike is right up there with him at the top.
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Boxing news: Larry Holmes is tipping Mike Tyson to get the better of Jake Paul when they fight on November 15
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“Earnie Shavers was the hardest I’ve ever faced but when Tyson hits, he tries to kill you. And Mike can take a good punch, I hit him a couple of times and he kept on coming.
“Jake will hit him, but Mike is going to keep on coming. He better be ready for Mike to keep coming forward with punches.”
On how Paul can win, Holmes believes Paul will need to stay out of his opponent’s reach and tire him out.
“If Jake moves like Larry Holmes did, around in circles, ducking punches then he might be able to survive,” he added.
Boxing news: Larry Holmes feels Jake Paul must run from Mike Tyson in their fight next month
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“But if he doesn’t move around, duck Mike’s punches, he’s not going to make it.
“He has to bang that jab out. Block what he throws and throw back. If he doesn’t fight Mike Tyson smartly, using movement and jabs, he won’t win. If tries to trade punches he’s not going to win.
“The only way he wins the battle is if he runs. If he doesn’t use his jab and movement, it’s goodnight, Irene.
“He’s in trouble if he does not use his jab. You have to beat Tyson to the punch, use the jab, and be first. When the bell rings, Tyson’s going to run at him, and he’ll have to stop Mike with a strong right hand and left hook.”