Mike Tyson is preparing for his fight with Jake Paul (Shutterstock)
Former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes claims Mike Tyson was not the hardest puncher he faced during his illustrious career.
Tyson, 58, is making his final preparations ahead of his fight with Jake Paul in Dallas on Friday night, 19 years since his last sanctioned bout where he lost to Kevin McBride in 2005.
Holmes, who was world heavyweight champion from 1978 until 1985, lost to Tyson in 1988, with Iron Mike flooring him at the end of the fourth round with a devastating right hand to the head.
Holmes is backing Tyson to beat 27-year-old Paul in the fight which will be streamed live on Netflix but the heavyweight legend believes Earnie Shavers, who he beat twice during his career, is the hardest hitter he ever stepped in the ring with.
‘I fought Mike and he hit me and that was the end of it. Earnie Shavers was the hardest I’ve ever faced but when Tyson hits, he tries to kill you,’ Holmes told OLBG.
‘Mike knocked the [expletive] out of me, he hit me so hard I went ‘wooooo’. And he beat me. It was embarrassing. I remember the right hand he hit me with – I thought at the time ‘he should be locked up’ because of the power, and he kept on coming, growling like Joe Frazier. That’s the fight I’m expecting Mike to put on. Jake has to survive that.
Larry Holmes was beaten by Mike Tyson in January 1988 (Getty)
Larry Holmes (L) claims Earnie Shavers was the hardest puncher he ever faced (Getty)
‘If Jake moves like Larry Holmes did, around in circles, ducking punches then he might be able to survive. But if he doesn’t move around, duck Mike’s punches, he’s not going to make it.
‘If he doesn’t get Mike’s respect early, Mike is going to run over him, believe me. He has to hit Mike hard right off the bat otherwise it’s goodnight, Irene
‘Mike Tyson doesn’t care about anything, he’ll fight you right now, even though he’s not in any shape. And he’s going to hit you, and when he does that, it’s all over. Mike is ready for it. He won’t be taking any punches in training. If I’m betting my money it’s on Mike.
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‘It won’t affect Tyson’s legacy if he loses, but if Jake wins all hell is going to break loose. If Jake Paul wins they’re going to have a parade all setup, that’s what’s going to happen. I’m not saying he wins, but if he does, people are going to go crazy. But I don’t care who wins, these guys are making more money in one fight than I did in 70 fights. I’m glad these guys are making money.
‘I watched a clip of Mike this morning and all I can say is Jake better be ready if he’s going to fight Mike. Mike will be able to last the two minute rounds. Mike comes to fight when he puts his mind to it, he goes to work on you. And that’s what I’ve seen today. And if this guy tries to trade punches with Mike, he loses.
‘Jake will hit him, but Mike is going to keep on coming. He better be ready for Mike to keep coming forward with punches.
‘Tyson ducks, moves his head, and gets in close. He’ll take a punch or two to get in close, and then once he’s up close he’ll go to work on the body, and then that head.
‘I think if I’m gonna bet my money, I’ll bet on Mike Tyson because I know him. I see him. I was around him. I know what he’s made of.’
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