Oscar De La Hoya expresses concern for Mike Tyson ahead of fight against Jake Paul

Mike Tyson's fight against Jake Paul is now set to go ahead after being postponed due to health issues. However, another boxing legend, Oscar De La Hoya, has expressed concerns about the fight. With a record of 50-6 (44 KOs), “Iron” Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from 1987 to 1990 and earned the nickname “the baddest man alive” due to his incredible knockout power that often ended fights early. At 58, however, Tyson's best years are certainly behind him, and a fight against 26-year-old Paul – with a record of 10-1 (7 KOs) – could be too dangerous for him.

De La Hoya explained his concerns during an interview on Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe's podcast.

“Come on, 61? I love – I saw him the other day. I love Tyson,” the Golden Boy said. When Sharpe noted Tyson's punching power, De La Hoya added, “Of course. He's got a good chance in the first three rounds. I'm a little scared that Tyson will get hurt after the third round. Jake Paul is a big boy! He's 26 years old, Tyson is 61. I'm happy for Tyson that he's making money and that Tyson still loves it and that he's getting in shape. But just be careful.”

Oscar De La Hoya comments on Mike Tyson and Jake Paul

The Golden Boy also commented on Paul and his fights. Previously, De La Hoya criticized Jake Paul for his fight against Mike Tyson, calling the fight “not serious” and practically useless in building a boxer's legacy. This time, he responded to Sharpe's statement that the ex-YouTuber wants to be taken seriously as a professional boxer.

“It's fair,” De La Hoya said. “Look, what I said to him is fair. I'm not criticizing him — I'm actually praising him for getting in the ring, taking it seriously, promoting it… You know he's doing great things for fighters and the sport, but if he's taking it as seriously as he says he is, then he should take that path that we've taken, that the greats have taken. Like fighters have to work their way up from the beginning. Fight guys that will test you, not guys that have no experience or are MMA fighters… Every fight he picks is not even.”

Although Jake Paul has an impressive 10-1 record as a professional boxer, it's hard to dismiss De La Hoya's thoughts on his career. Every boxing world champion has fought his way to the mountain tops, including Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mike Tyson, and De La Hoya himself. However, fans believe Jake Paul has only ever fought non-boxers, washed-up or never-been pros, and washed-up champions.

Could Paul's upcoming fight with Mike Tyson add to the problem child's legacy? Or will Iron Mike simply be another washed-up legend who revamps Paul's career?