Mike Tyson’s former trainer has revealed the boxing icon is going ahead with his fight with Jake Paul, despite the controversy surrounding the bout.

The heavyweight icon had been due to lock horns with his 27-year-old rival back in July, only for an ulcer flare up to see the battle pushed back.

Tyson insists he’s raring to go, however, with the 58-year-old confident of beating Paul next month.

Many are concerned about the boxing icon and his chances of reigning supreme given the massive 31-year age gap between the pair.

But Tyson’s old trainer, Jeff Fenech, has told The Mirror that the heavyweight will go ahead with the fight – even if many don’t want him to.

“If it was my decision, I’d much prefer him not fight at all, but he’s going to fight,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to him a few times [recently]. I spoke to him about the fight.

“Realistically, if Mike uses upstairs and nothing else, and does the right things, this could be the easiest money he’s ever made.

“When you’re both throwing punches, it’s a 50/50 thing who lands.

“But if Mike concentrates and makes him miss, and then makes him pay… That’s what Mike’s an expert in, he’s got great head movement.

“If he does that in 30 seconds, the fight could be over in 30 seconds.

“Mike just needs to use his common sense, don’t try to punch when he’s punching, make him miss and make him pay.”

Paul will actually be the favourite for the clash.

At the age of 27, the former YouTuber has youth on his side. Paul has also won 10 of his 11 pro fights so far, with a defeat to Tommy Fury last year the only time he’s failed to come out on top.

Fenech insists Paul doesn’t have the ‘skill’ required to beat Tyson, however, and is backing his old student to get the job done.

“Jake Paul doesn’t have the skill, the boxing knowledge,” added the 60-year-old.

“I’ve watched him but anyone can punch a pad or a bag or someone who really can’t fight. When you’re bigger and you’re stronger, that’s all good.

“But Mike, as a heavyweight, was a great defensive fighter.

“He could slip and make people miss. If he does that and lands a counter-punch, then the fight is going to be over.

“There’s not a chance in the world Jake Paul can take a Mike Tyson hook, a Mike Tyson right hand or a Mike Tyson uppercut.

“That’s what I’m hoping [for]. I love Mike, he’s a great friend, he’s like family to me. I just hope everything goes well.”

Tyson’s last fight was against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.

As for Paul, the boxing star beat Mike Perry when they met in July.