The former UFC fighter who defeated Evander Holyfield, Vitor Belfort, has minimized Mike Tyson‘s chances of winning their lucrative exhibition match against Jake Paul.
Coming out of retirement, Tyson, 58, will take on 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul at the much-awaited battle on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Despite being regarded as one of the best boxers of all time, the former heavyweight champion has only fought once since leaving his professional career in 2005, drawing Roy Jones Jr. in December 2020.
Having defeated Holyfield, Tyson’s former opponent, in just 109 seconds at the age of 58, Belfort is no stranger to taking on boxers much past their prime. The Brazilian said that Holyfield was unbeatable despite his training and preparation, and he believes Tyson will be the same.
Belfort stated,
“When I fought Holyfield, he was very strong and very fit, but I was the better man on that night,”
“If he hit me, I could have gone down – that is the nature of the sport. However, I hit him first. This fight feels more like an exhibition, and I don’t think Mike is the same fighter he used to be.”
The primary incentive is money for Mike Tyson
After being questioned about his suitability to fight Paul, Tyson released a number of videos to social media that showcase his incredible level of fitness and punching strength.
UFC legend Henry Cejudo claims that he will receive a $20 million salary only for entering the ring. In light of this, Belfort asserts that Tyson’s desire to fight stems exclusively from the cash aspect:
“It is good business for both fighters. They generate a lot of money for each other, which is good for the sport,”
“But only Mike can answer that question. 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.”
