What it's really like to be hit by Mike Tyson as Jake Paul sent big warning

Roy Jones Jr faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout in 2020, and has warned Jake Paul against underestimating the power that the heavyweight legend still possesses

Roy Jones Jr, who faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition match four years ago, has issued a stark warning to Jake Paul ahead of his fight with the boxing legend. Despite their advanced ages during their bout, Jones Jr acknowledged Tyson's formidable power.

Speaking to Shane Mosely about the 'Lockdown Knockdown' event, he admitted: "Mike Tyson is still the strongest puncher that I've ever been in the ring with. Ever. Now I think he's 57, maybe 58- yet he's still the strongest puncher. The first time he hit me on my chin, I felt like a mule had kicked me in my chest."

He also cautioned Paul, noting that despite being younger and having better cardio, he won't be able to evade Tyson as he had unsuccessfully attempted. Jones Jr added: "If he's at 230, that can make it very interesting. Jake's not going to fight close, and he can't stay away from him because Mike will close the gap too quick. I thought I could stay away from him, I couldn't-and I know I'm better at staying away from people than Jake is."

Jones Jr has weighed in on the potential bout, saying: "He knows he isn't going to be able to stay away from him, he is hoping that a bit of muscle will push him backwards and keep him off him. [Mike] is getting big enough to try and tie him up when he gets close and push him back right away. Jake doesn't fight as well as going backwards as he does coming forward."

On his overall prediction for the fight, Jones Jr conceded that he can't see Paul overcoming Tyson, noting that even at his current age, Tyson's prowess would likely prove "too much" for the social media star turned boxer. He shared with FightHype: "I think it's a great fight and a great marketing situation as well because a lot of people want to see it.", reports the Mirror.

"It's a young lion and an old lion. It's a great situation for them. It gives Jake a chance with Mike being as old as he is. I think it's a great opportunity for both fighters but I still think Mike is gonna be a little bit too much for Jake."

Reflecting on his own experience, Jones Jr recalled his eight-round exhibition match with Tyson in 2020, which ended in a split-draw according to the WBC.

Despite the draw, Jones Jr acknowledged that facing Tyson was no walk in the park, with Tyson displaying impressive speed and aggression from the start.

Jones Jr found it difficult to land any punches on Tyson throughout the fight, while 'Iron' Mike pummelled him with powerful body shots and strong hooks to the head - still displaying his signature bobbing and weaving that brought him so much success in his heyday. The two men may not have ever faced each other in their professional careers, but fans were treated to a thrilling bout at the Staples Centre that evening.

Tyson amassed an impressive record of 50-6-2(NC) between 1985 and 2005, clinching the WBC heavyweight title a year after turning pro by defeating Trevor Berbick via a second-round TKO. He secured the WBA heavyweight belt the following year with a win over James Smith, before adding the IBF heavyweight title to his collection thanks to a unanimous decision victory over Tony Tucker months later.

Other notable wins on Tyson's resume include triumphs over Frank Bruno, Carl Williams, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes. Jones Jr, on the other hand, forged an equally remarkable record of 66-10 between 1989 and 2023 - beating the likes of Bernard Hopkins for the IBF middleweight title, James Toney for the IBF super-middleweight belt, Montell Griffin for the WBC light-heavyweight title, and Lou Del Valle for the WBA light-heavyweight belt.

He has also held the IBF light-heavyweight title, the IBO light-heavyweight title, and the WBA heavyweight title at various points in his career, along with other major belts. Paul has built an impressive 10-1 record since turning professional four years ago, defeating UFC stars such as Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, Mike Perry and Ben Askren.

His only defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury last February via a split decision. He was originally scheduled to face Tyson in July, but the former heavyweight champion had to pull out of the fight due to health issues.

The stage is now set for the two men to meet again on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.