Mike Tyson has been flooded with supportive messages by boxing fans after emotionally admitting he’s fighting Jake Paul to show age is just a number.

At the age of 58, many are writing off the heavyweight icon as he prepares to return to the ring.

After all, Paul is 31 years his junior and recently dispatched Mike Perry to clock up the 10th win of his professional career.

Speaking in a clip uploaded on his Instagram account, Tyson opened up on why he was fighting Paul.

“I want to change biology, I want to change the way people think about age,” he said.

The boxing icon then added: “People think that as you get older you become weaker, you become less physically active at a high level.

“It’s all psychological. If you believe you feel bad and you feel old – then you feel bad and old.

“If you believe feel great, you feel great. It’s all about what we see about ourselves.”

And boxing fans on the social media site have now flooded Tyson with messages of support.

“This man speaks so much sense and truth,” were the words of one user.

A second said: “I concur!!! Great way to think.”

A third opined: “That’s right!!! We are getting younger!!! Don’t tell nobody…”

Another fan commented: “No better way to put it , keep believing fight strong in life.”

And a fifth san said: “Not gonna lie, that’s what I had thought, and seeing you at this level I’m a believer now. Love you Mike.”

While Tyson retired from professional boxing following a defeat to Kevin McBride in 2005, the 58-year-old did battle Roy Jones Jr in 2020.

That exhibition clash ended in a draw, with both men performing well.

Jones Jr actually provided his verdict on the showdown between Tyson and Paul last month.

He expressed a belief that it is a ‘great situation’ for both men given how much they’re set to pocket for the bout.

But he did tip Tyson to cause a huge shock by beating an opponent 31 years his junior.

“I think it’s a great fight and a great marketing situation as well because a lot of people want to see it,” he told FightHype.

“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.”