Mike Tyson speaks ahead of his fight with Jake Paul (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Mike Tyson will fight for the first time in almost 20 years when he takes on Jake Paul in Texas this summer and the former heavyweight champion admits his body is struggling

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has made a concerning confession about his physical condition ahead of his bout with Jake Paul.

Tyson, who hasn’t fought professionally in nearly two decades, will be stepping into the ring with the social media star in Texas this summer. The match will consist of eight two-minute rounds and will feature Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano as the main supporting act, vying for all four of Taylor’s world titles.

Tyson has been sharing snippets of his training sessions on social media, leading fans to worry about his ability to train for extended periods. During a press conference in New York on Monday, Tyson confessed: “I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say. I’m doing great but my body is —- right now, I’m so sore.

Asked why he accepted the fight, Tyson said: “It was a no-brainer. He’s a new up-and-coming guy on the scene and I like shaking the sports world to the core and I’m doing it now. It’s just something I want to do.”

When Tyson steps into the ring in July, he will be 58 years old, a full 30 years older than his opponent. However, Paul is confident in his decision to face the former undisputed world champion, even acknowledging that he might have to recover from a knockdown.

“I know I’ll be able to take his power,” he declared. “I’m a natural-born heavyweight and this is what I was born to do, to move up into this weight class. I’m going to show Mike who has more power.”

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul face off at the press conference

“Everyone is underestimating me. I know I’m going to have to go through adversity, I might have to go to the canvas, but it’s about going through with it even though I’m scared, that’s true bravery.”

A look back at the boxer Paul’s career suggests he’s not just joshing – he’s won nine out of his 10 professional bouts. His only defeat so far was to Tommy Fury (heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s brother) last year.

Most notably, Paul has made a name for himself by taking on and beating athletes from other sports, including MMA fighters like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz.