UFC champion trainer Tim Welch argues that fans are ‘dumb’ for counting out Mike Tyson ahead of his upcoming boxing fight with Jake Paul.
Legendary boxing champion Mike Tyson is set to return to action in just a few weeks in a highly anticipated, if not notably divisive, PPV clash against social media star Jake Paul.
Whilst Tyson is understandably a heavy betting underdog heading into the July 20 event, some within the combat sports world are holding out hope that ‘Iron’ can turn back the clock in a big way, including veteran UFC trainer Tim Welch.
UFC champion trainer breaks down Mike Tyson’s chances vs Jake Paul
Breaking down the upcoming boxing fight via his official YouTube channel, former UFC fighter-turned-veteran-trainer Tim Welch argued that despite being 57 years old and not having fought since 2020, you’d be ‘dumb’ for thinking Mike Tyson doesn’t have a chance to shock the world.
“Do I think that Mike Tyson has a chance? Absolutely, it’s Mike Tyson – He’s the true freak of nature [and] the rule set favors him.”
The bout is set to be contested over eight two-minute rounds, with 14 oz. gloves, no headgear, with the result going on both fighters’ professional records.
“Mike Tyson is a scary human being, one of the scariest human beings [that] you’ll ever see. I don’t think he’s going to be the same ferocious dog that he used to be, obviously.”
“But it is [still] Mike Tyson, to say he doesn’t have a chance you got to be dumb, but the chances are not that high just because of the age.”
Welch, who corners UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley described how Tyson will be at his most dangerous in the opening rounds, although he’s concerned about how quickly that KO power will dwindle as the fight progresses:
“He’s a freak of nature, I think early on he’s going to be scary; he’s going to come out there and be able to throw some power, but I bet you he can’t train that hard especially if he’s not able to use that special sauce.”
“Even at 57 years old, your testosterone cannot be that high, especially the lifestyle he’s had, he’s got to be beat down. He spoke at the press conference about how sore he is, and he wishes he was joking… [Whereas] Jake Paul is in the prime of his life.”
Tim Welch shares official prediction for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
Whilst the physical advantages remain firmly in Jake Paul’s realm, Welch doesn’t believe that the bout will end in highlight reel knockout in either direction:
“Rumor is Jake Paul’s walking around at 230, he’s a big kid… He’s probably wanted to put on a little bit of size on his neck so he can take Mike Tyson’s power.”
“I know all the old school guys are going to be like ‘Are you kidding me, Mike Tyson’s going to kill Jake Paul’ [but] it’s like dude, we’re creeping up on 60 years old.”
Ultimately, Welch predicted that the fight will be won by the social media star via points, as he doubts Jake Paul has the power to stop the legendary boxing champion:
“I think Jake Paul’s going to stay tight enough, and be long enough, and be quick enough and be able to pace himself to get the job done by decision.”
“I don’t think Jake’s going to knock him out, his head’s too big, his neck’s too big, I mean I don’t want to say, ‘never say never’ but I think Jake Paul is going to win a decision.”
The upcoming event has also just seen the addition of two fascinating bouts on the undercard, including former UFC title challenger Darren Till making his professional boxing debut.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson goes down exclusively via the Netflix streaming service on July 20; a reminder that fan favorite champions Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to rematch in the co-main event of the evening.