On July 20, Jake Paul is set to face Mike Perry in an eight-round bout at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay. Originally, this date was earmarked for Paul’s match against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Arlington, Texas. However, due to Tyson’s health concerns related to an ulcer flare-up, their fight has been postponed until November.

Despite the delay, speculation and predictions within the boxing world continue to swirl around the anticipated showdown at AT&T Stadium. Adding to the buzz, one of Tyson’s former rivals has weighed in with an unexpected perspective.

Lennox Lewis, another former heavyweight champion who had a storied rivalry with Tyson, has surprisingly thrown his support behind Tyson. Lewis boldly endorsed Tyson, cautioning Jake Paul that despite being 58 years old, Tyson still possesses a wealth of experience and skills that could overwhelm Paul’s relative inexperience.

“Mike Tyson is going to win,” Lewis confidently asserted to FOX 29 Philadelphia. “Mike Tyson is not that old. Don’t underestimate him.”

Lewis’s endorsement may come as a surprise to many, given the intense rivalry he shared with Tyson, culminating in a notable bout in 2002 where Lewis knocked out Tyson in the eighth round. However, over time, Lewis’s perspective on Tyson has evolved, reflecting a deep respect for Tyson’s enduring abilities and preparation.

Looking ahead to the fight, Lewis highlighted Tyson’s potential strategy, suggesting that if Tyson can unleash a quick combination early in the fight, Paul could find himself in serious trouble.

“If Mike comes with a ten-second combination and catches him, he’s 100% going down,” Lewis predicted.

The endorsement from a former rival adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming bout, heightening anticipation for Tyson’s return to the ring against Jake Paul later this year.