UFC star Michael Page has admitted that Jake Paul could beat Mike Tyson in July, but that could lead to an “ugly image”.
The sports world was stunned when the matchup between the two fighters was announced last month.
Tyson dominated the field during the prime of his career and is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.
However, he will be 58 when he faces the 27-year-old Paul later this year, leading to criticism over the staging of the fight.
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Page gave his verdict on the fight to USA Today.
He reportedly told Tyson that if he lost, there could be an “ugly picture” of Paul towering over him.
“For me, it is [fight] Yes, it's a gimmick, so it's a little different. I think so,” he said.
“Make no mistake, it’s money and it’s driven by money. But I don’t want to just look at that possibility.
“Mike Tyson lying on the floor and Jake Paul standing over him. That would just be an ugly picture.
“As you know, he is old now. He seems to be in very good condition, but I think he can still do some damage.
“But I don't want to see the possibility of something like that happening just for someone with that kind of accomplishment, especially someone who has inspired myself and so many martial artists around the world.
“I don't want to see that photo. So I don't think that kind of battle is necessary.
“This kind of fighting, I'm not a big fan.”
Page is not alone in expressing concern.
Eddie Hearn previously said he was “very sad” the fight happened.
And Ricky Hatton said last month that boxing icons of yesteryear would be “going to their graves”.
But Tyson has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
And the heavyweight icon slammed his critics, calling them “jealous” in a speech last week.
“I'm 58 years old, you know what? Just talking about fighting with someone gets billions of views,” he said.
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“Everyone is jealous, including most athletes, and it's terrible.
“They say they didn’t even get a million people in their heyday, dude.
“What are you talking about? You couldn't sell out an arena. Who at 58 years old can sell out an 80,000-seat arena?”
“Why do you think he wants to fight me and not anyone else? Everyone wants to fight him, every boxer wants to fight him.
“But if he fights them, the only people who will come are people who like him.
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“Other players and their parents may not be there to watch it, it just keeps it real.
“It's too boring for children to watch. It's like watching grass grow.”
