Mike Tyson fights Jake Paul in July and Evander Holyfield believes the veteran still has the punch power (Image: Daniel McGregor-Huyer/REX/Shutterstock)

Mike Tyson will come out of retirement to face Jake Paul in a boxing match in July – and Evander Holyfield believes he can only beat the YouTuber with two shots

Evander Holyfield has weighed in on the upcoming bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, suggesting that Tyson’s chances hinge on landing two key punches.

Boxing icon Tyson is set to emerge from retirement this July for a high-profile clash with internet sensation Paul in a Texas showdown that will be show live on Netflix. At 58 years old, Tyson will be stepping into the ring three decades older than Paul.

Scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, the event mirrors the format of an exhibition match yet will count towards both combatants’ professional records. Tyson last fought professionally in 2005, bowing out against Kevin McBride after five rounds.

Holyfield, who famously triumphed over Tyson twice including the notorious ear-biting incident believes that Tyson can secure victory over Paul with his signature left hook or right hand.

Addressing whether a loss for Tyson would tarnish boxing’s reputation, Holyfield told FightHub TV: “Personally, I wouldn’t take it that way. This man fought his whole life for whatever reason he chose to fight.

“We already know he is not going to be as quick as him, but if he catches him, we know that you don’t lose your strength [with age]. I think that pretty much all he can catch him with is a left hook or a right hand. Mike knows you don’t have to hit a guy in the face all the time.”

Tyson and Paul will face off in Dallas in a fight that will be streamed on Netflix ( Image: Getty Images for Netflix)
Tyson and Paul threw down the gauntlet in New York and Dallas, with the confident YouTuber declaring his intent to knock out the boxing icon.

“What I promise to the people is on July 20, Mike will be put to sleep and he will feel my power and I will go down as the man who put Tyson to sleep for the last time,” he boasted.

He continued to hype the fight, saying, “They say he’s the baddest man on the planet, so let’s find out. Apparently he’s the final boss… I love the biggest challenges in the world.

“That’s what’s made my whole entire career is taking big risks and I want the toughest guy out there. I want the biggest fights and making history is what I’ve done my whole entire career. And this is no different. Netflix, Mike Tyson. It doesn’t get any bigger than this and everyone will see July 20.”