"Based on his fight with Roy Jones Jr., he's good" - Promoter confident aging Mike Tyson's power will prevail over Jake Paul in Texas stadium
Countless fans and experts have shown concern for Mike Tyson ahead of his return to boxing against Jake Paul but one promoter believes he has the tools to succeed. Despite the several counting out the legendary champion, former fighter turned promoter Dmitry Salita suspects that 'Iron' will be more than capable of holding his own.
Salita appeared on the May 20 edition of The MMA Hour to discuss his intentions as a young promoter of the sport while giving his opinions on the current state of boxing. The 42-year-old surprised viewers with his opinion on the upcoming fight between Paul and Tyson, claiming that he believes power and experience will emerge as a factor.
Salita said:
"Hopefully [Mike Tyson is] healthy. I think that if he tries — power is the last thing to go, man. I think that if he lands one good one on Jake Paul, based on his fight with Roy Jones Jr., he's good."
Check out Dmitry Salita's comments below:
Tyson's last venture into the ring with Roy Jones Jr. occurred as an exhibition in 2020, 15 years after his final professional fight. The fight was officially scored as a draw per the match rules but the general consensus had 'Iron' out-pointing his opponent over eight rounds.
Paul and Tyson are scheduled to headline the first boxing event live-streamed on Netflix from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 20.
Will Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson be a professional fight?
Following the official announcement of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson from Netflix and the Most Valuable Promotions, many wondered if the fight would proceed as an exhibition or a professional bout.
After weeks of speculation, reports claimed the bout had been officially sanctioned as a professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
The matchup will feature modified rules including two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves. Typical professional boxing fights hold three-minute rounds with eight or 10-ounce gloves.
Once the result is final from Arlington, it will be recorded on the official record of Tyson as his first regulated fight since 2005.