Lawrence Okolie reveals why he believes Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is good for boxing

Lawrence Okolie discusses Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight

Londoner Lawrence Okolie revealed to Betway that he believes Mike Tyson fighting YouTuber Jake Paul on July 20 is actually good for boxing and also claims the younger man should win despite it being against a boxing icon in 'Iron Mike' who was once described as 'The Baddest Man on the Planet'.

However, now 57, there is a 30-year age difference between the opponents, as Jake Paul is just 27-years-old. The unlikely pair will meet at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, live on Netflix, in what is set to be one of the most viewed boxing events of the year.

The bout has been licensed as a professional contest despite Tyson losing his last two fights by knockout back in 2004 and 2005. The contest is scheduled for eight two-minute rounds at heavyweight and will be streamed live on Netflix.

The former WBO World cruiserweight champion shared his thoughts on the controversial contest:

Thoughts on Mike Tyson v Jake Paul?

LO: "It really depends on how Mike Tyson is at his age. It will be tough I believe just because any boxer should be able to beat a 57-year-old so it’s tough to call but Jake Paul is the younger man despite it being Mike Tyson. It’s a weird fight, I don’t know how serious the fight is or who would sanction it for a 57-year-old to have a fight but we’re here."

Is it dangerous?

LO: "Yes, it can be, but it depends on the fight because I don’t know the rules, the gloves or anything about it, I just know that they’re meant to be fighting. I know they had an exhibition fight between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones where you’re not allowed a knockout and so on, but I don’t know if it is similar rules where it’s a big spectacle spar or if it’s an out and out blood bath."

Is it good for boxing?

LO: "I look at it as in there will be eyeballs there for the fight. I think any time you get eyeballs on boxing, it is good. Boxing is becoming one of the most talked about sports right now, or it does on my side, and influencer boxing with Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul, DAZN, Boxxer, it’s all happening. People care about boxing. When I started, 11 or 12 years ago, it wasn’t cool to be a boxer."

Deep into his training camp, Okolie (19-1, 14KO) will challenge reigning champion Lukasz Rozanski (15-0, 14KO) for the WBC World Bridgerweight Championship on Friday, May 24th at the Podpromie Arena in Rzeszow, Poland, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland read more...