Lennox Lewis repeats prediction for Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing fight

Former heavyweight world champion has insisted can defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer next month.

Tyson's last professional outing came back in 2005 when he suffered a defeat to Irishman Kevin McBride. He did, however, step foot in the ring four years ago when he took on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition contest. The 58-year-old is scheduled to take on 'The Problem Child' in front of up to 90,000 fans.

The two stars were scheduled to go glove-to-glove earlier this year, however, 'Iron Mike' was after suffering an ulcer flare up. The icon was advised to stop training, but the former champion has since returned to the gym. Criticism regarding the contest has heightened due to Tyson's health. Many have also hit out at the decision to go ahead with the bout due to the big age gap.

With Paul 31 years younger than his upcoming opponent, many have tipped 'The Problem Child' to get the job done in Texas. That said, earlier this year, Lewis - a former opponent of Tyson - believes 'Iron Mike' . The 59-year-old told : “I’m concerned for Jake Paul. Tyson still knows how to punch, as you can see when he’s hitting a bag. If Jake Paul gets hit by one of those punches, he’s going to feel it. I know Jake Paul doesn’t want to get hit.

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“Tyson comes forward and he knows how to cut off the ring. It could be a matter of time, as how good is Jake Paul’s defence? I saw Mike a couple of weeks ago and he looked good. He was walking around without a shirt and showing off his body so he’s getting ready.”

Lewis and Tyson famously went head-to-head back in 2002, with the Brit going on to win via knockout in the eighth round, retaining his WBC, IBF, IBO and Ring heavyweight world titles. , 'The Lion' has repeated his prediction for next month's heavyweight dust-up. He believes his former rival can get the better of Paul as long as he's in ‘good shape’.

"I would hope he would go into a fight where he would win," he said. "He’s a boxer, he knows how to protect himself, he knows how to throw body shots, he knows how to cut off the ring.

"He is younger than me so it really depends on his mobility, whether he can move fast around the ring when he’s going after a younger guy. We will have to see. I haven’t seen him lately to know if he can take it, but I have seen him looking muscular, so of course he can take it if he is in good shape."

In the same interview, Lewis refused to rule out an epic rematch with Tyson: "Let’s see how he makes out in this fight first. I have spoken to Mike, just about fighting. Let’s hope his health is ok. You can’t see things on the outside that may be affecting you on the inside. I wouldn’t want to say he is okay then all of a sudden something happens."