Mike Tyson told he’s ‘damaging his legacy’ and ‘there’s too much risk’ ahead of Jake Paul fight

UFC star Stephen Thompson believes Mike Tyson is ‘damaging his legacy’ as he prepares to come out of retirement to fight Jake Paul later this year.

Iron Mike and his 27-year-old opponent are set to do battle in Texas on November 15, in a showdown that is expected to draw in millions of viewers.

When he operated at the peak of his powers, Tyson was unstoppable. He established himself as one of the best heavyweights in boxing history prior to his retirement in 2005.

Fast-forward to now, however, and there are many who are concerned about the prospect of a 58-year-old Tyson fighting, and potentially losing to, a man young enough to be his son.

Thompson, speaking to talkSPORT, has suggested that Tyson is ‘damaging his legacy’ by choosing to face Paul.

Reacting to the upcoming clash, he said: “At this age I don’t think he should be taking any damage or damaging his legacy.

“I think it could damage his legacy because if he gets beaten by Jake Paul, that’s what he could remembered by.

“I grew up watching Mike Tyson knowing how dangerous and good he was, but this could damage his legacy.”

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Thompson then proceeded to say that Tyson should stick to sparring instead.

He also revealed the advice he’d give the boxing icon if he was a member of his entourage.

“If I was close to Mike Tyson I’d be telling him this [there is too much risk],” he added.

“A lot of people just see dollar signs and not keeping their fighter fit and healthy. They think we can make money off of you.

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“He is the one making the sacrifice, he is doing well for himself and he doesn’t have to fight Jake Paul. He doesn’t have to prove anything.

“Yeah you’re in great shape, but you could get some working maybe get some work in, say some sparring.

“You are 58, so nothing heavy just some sparring to feed that competitiveness and fighting monster that is inside of you.

“But you can do it without doing some serious damage to yourself and hurting your legacy.”

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While Tyson has been advised against fighting Paul, the heavyweight legend says he’s raring to go.

Despite suffering an ulcer flare up earlier in the year, Iron Mike is confident he can roll back the years when he returns to the ring.

“I’m very prepared to knock out Jake Paul,” he said.

“I’m very prepared. I had a small adversity. I got sick, but I feel good.

“I’m just ready. I’m just ready. I’m going to do my talk and I’m going to talk my s***, but I’m ready to fight.

“Hey, listen, [as] soon as I catch this guy, it’s over. He is going to be running around [the ring], but as soon as I catch this guy, it’s going to be totally over.”