Jake Paul blamed for "sad" rule in controversial Mike Tyson fight

Tony Bellew admits it is "sad" that Mike Tyson will have a professional fight on his record against Jake Paul as he bemoaned the fact the icon is stepping into the ring at 58.

Paul has seen his bout with the heavyweight legend rescheduled to November 15 after their original date had to be put on hold due to an injury sustained by Tyson. Iron Mike - who last fought professional in 2008 - has seen his clash with the influencer sanctioned as a professional contest.

A loss to the YouTuber could leave a serious stain on his resume, which features fights against fellow great Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. Bellew admits he understands why the financial prizes on offer have temped Tyson but hopes he doesn't have a blot on his record.

He told talkSPORT : "Of course the world is full of freaks and people want to watch this nonsense. Who would want to watch Mike Tyson get in the ring at this age? He is one of my heroes and an icon of the sport.

"This egotistical clown demanded that this goes on Mike Tyson's actual professional record. He wasn't happy with it being an exhibition.

"How saddening is that? You are going to read names like Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis on his record, legendary names. And then you are going to read Jake Paul, it is sad, it is so so sad. But I get it. It is about money, I can't knock it from Mike's perspective, I know everyone has a price. But just have it as an exhibition."

Bellew, who hasn't fought since he lost to Oleksandr Usyk back in 2018, is praying that Tyson delivers one final knockout and deals Paul his second defeat since he opted to pursue a career in the ring.

"Jake you couldn't have carried this man's jock strap when he was professional. It is so sad if you inflict a professional KO loss on his record at his age. The only thing I hope for is that Tyson has one last decent punch in him, clips him and he goes out like a light. Imagine getting knocked out by a 60-year-old fella mate."

After Tyson pulled out of the original fight it left Paul having to quickly source a new opponent. He took on Mike Perry and secured a stoppage victory despite some advising him against taking on the UFC star.

He said: “Mike Tyson, you’re next big boy. Sign the contract, 15 November on Netflix. 100 percent, it’s happening. He’s training and looking crazier than ever, Netflix, I’ll prove everybody wrong. Everybody said I was making a mistake with this fight [against Perry], but I take risks.”