Katie Taylor Expresses Concern for Mike Tyson Ahead of Jake Paul Fight: 'I’d Hate to See Mike Losing to Someone Like That'

Katie Taylor has voiced her concerns about Mike Tyson ahead of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul on November 15. Despite the controversy surrounding the match, which many have criticized due to Tyson's age and long absence from competitive boxing, Taylor is worried for the former heavyweight champion.

Speaking on *The Ariel Helwani Show* on Uncrowned, Taylor, who will defend her undisputed super lightweight title against Amanda Serrano in the evening's chief support bout, shared her feelings. "I obviously have me concerns about Mike Tyson, just because he's a legend and I don't want to see him get hurt or anything," Taylor stated. "I think Jake Paul is a great athlete and he's improving as a fighter as well. He's a young fresh guy and I just have so much respect for Mike Tyson that I'd hate to see Mike losing to someone like that, to be quite honest."

The 38-year-old Taylor, who holds a professional record of 23 wins and just 1 loss, is widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. She previously defeated Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs) in a split decision in 2022, in a fight that was hailed as one of the best of the year. Their first encounter also made history as the first-ever women's boxing fight to headline Madison Square Garden.

Taylor, who met Tyson during a promotional event in May, expressed her admiration for the boxing legend. “I think Mike Tyson is everyone's icon in the sport, isn't he?” Taylor said. “Every single person in the world of boxing has watched him fight at some stage. He's known as the baddest man in the planet and he's just beloved by the boxing world."

For Taylor, sharing a card with Tyson is a dream come true. "I never thought in a million years that I'd box on the same card as Mike Tyson, so this is a real pinch-me moment, to be honest," she said.

The Olympic gold medalist, who is typically shy outside the ring, recalled a conversation with Tyson ahead of a press conference in Dallas. Taylor revealed that Tyson shared advice with her, including insights on the importance of media events. "Before the press conference in Dallas, I was talking to him for maybe about 45 minutes. It was amazing, he's such a gentleman and he's just a great boxing man," Taylor said. "I was just asking him how he felt about the Jake Paul fight, how he's feeling about his own fight. I was letting him know that I'm not a big fan of press conferences and then he was telling me, ‘That's where all the money is made.'"

Tyson, a dominant force in the boxing world during the late 1980s and 1990s, became infamous for his ferocious knockout power. However, his last professional fight was in 2005, and he has not fought since a loss to Kevin McBride. Tyson's withdrawal from the initial July 20 fight with Paul due to an ulcer flare-up only increased concerns about his readiness for this bout.

Despite her concerns for Tyson, Taylor acknowledged the positive impact Paul has had on boxing. "Jake Paul is an amazing businessman and it's amazing what he's done for the sport," Taylor said. "He's one of the biggest names in boxing — nobody would've thought that, really."