Roy Jones Jr. Recalls Mike Tyson's Devastating Power Ahead of Jake Paul Fight

Roy Jones Jr., who faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout in 2020, warns that Tyson still possesses significant punching power despite his advanced age. With Tyson set to fight Jake Paul later this summer, Jones believes Paul may not be able to withstand Tyson's blows.

Roy Jones Jr., the last boxer to face Mike Tyson, has offered some insightful observations about the former heavyweight champion's abilities ahead of his upcoming exhibition bout with Jake Paul.

Jones and Tyson, two of the most renowned boxers of their respective eras, crossed paths in an exhibition match in November 2020. Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, also fought on the same card, knocking out former NBA player Nate Robinson.

Tyson and Paul will now face off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 20th. Jones, who experienced Tyson's power first-hand, recalls the impact of his blows.

"The first time he hit me in the chest, it felt like a mule had kicked me in the chest," Jones recounted to Shane Mosley on his YouTube show. "If he hits anybody with a shot like that, they are either going out or down, especially guys who are not used to being hit like that. With these types of people like Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, these guys are bigger and can take it."

"But Jake Paul, I don't think he's going to be able to take that. It might hit him on the chin like that, we'll see, but it's going to be tough."

Despite Paul's extensive training preparations,Tyson expressed apprehension about the upcoming fight during an interview with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity.

"I have a weird personality. I don't think it's weird though. Whatever I'm afraid to do, I do it. That's how it is," Tyson explained. "I was afraid of the [Roy Jones Jr. fight in 2020]."

"I was 100 pounds overweight, I was, however, old – 54, 53 – and I said, ‘Let’s do it.' Anything I'm afraid of, I confront it. That's my personality. Right now, I'm scared to death."

Tyson, however, believes that his fear ultimately motivates him to excel in the ring.

"I always believed that adversity and nervousness pretty much catapulted me into success," Tyson said. "If I didn't have these feelings, I wouldn't go into this fight. I have to have these feelings to fight. Without them, I would never go in the ring."

As the fight approaches, Tyson anticipates a shift in his mindset.

"As the fight gets closer, the less nervous I become because it's reality. And, in reality, I'm invincible," Tyson asserted.

Jones's assessment of Tyson's power aligns with Tyson's own acknowledgment of his enduring physicality. Tyson's comments also reveal a complex psychological approach to boxing, where fear serves as a catalyst for motivation.

Despite Paul's enthusiasm and training, his ability to withstand Tyson's renowned punching power remains a significant question mark. The upcoming exhibition bout promises a captivating spectacle between two contrasting figures from different generations of boxing.