Katie Taylor believes "nothing is going to faze" Mike Tyson when he steps into the ring against Jake Paul, though she admits that she has concerns over his age.
The former heavyweight world champion will return to professional boxing for the first time since 2005 when he faces the YouTuber-turned-fighter at AT&T Stadium on Friday.
The clash between The Baddest Man on the Planet, now 58, and The Problem Child, more than three years his junior at 27, has raised eyebrows throughout the sport.
But Taylor, who will face Amanda Serrano in a rematch as the co-main event in Dallas, Texas, has hopes that one of the biggest names in boxing can trump his advancing years.
"I do definitely have those same concerns," she told The Guardian. "But he did look very good against Roy Jones [Jr.]. He definitely hasn’t lived the cleanest life since then.
"But I think over the last few years he’s cleaned himself up. We’re hoping that shows through on the night, but he obviously has amazing experience.
"Nothing is going to faze Mike Tyson. It’s very interesting, but I have a real soft spot for Mike Tyson. He’s a hero to many of us fighters.”
Tyson last fought against journeyman Kevin McBride in a 2005 loss, but did perform well in an exhibition bout with Jones Jr. in 2020, when the pair delivered a split decision draw.
Paul meanwhile arrives with a 10-1 record after two wins himself already this year, notching stoppages against Ryan Bourland and Mike Perry.
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