Mike Tyson told there's a possibility of 'ugly picture' ahead of crunch Jake Paul boxing fight

UFC star Michael Page has admitted there's a possibility Jake Paul will beat Mike Tyson in July - which could then lead to an 'ugly picture'.

The sporting world was left stunned last month when it was announced the two men would be fighting.

Tyson is regarded as one of the best boxers of all time, having dominated his field during the prime years of his career.

Yet he will be 58 by the time he goes up against 27-year-old Paul later this year, leading to criticism over the bout happening.

Boxing news Mike Tyson

Page, speaking to USA Today, has now provided his verdict on the fight.

And he's told Tyson that, if he loses, there's a possibility there will be an 'ugly picture' of Paul towering over him.

"For me, that [fight] there is slightly different, because yes, it’s a gimmick. I guess it is," he said.

"Definitely, it’s money, it’s money-driven. But I just would never like to see just the potential of it.

"A Mike Tyson laying on the floor with Jake Paul standing above him. It just would be an ugly picture.

"You know, he’s an older man now. He looks in great shape, and I’m sure he could still cause damage.

"But just the potential of that happening I just wouldn’t want to see just for somebody with that kind of legacy, especially that inspired myself and so many other combat athletes around the world.

"I just wouldn’t want to see that picture. So I think those kinds of fights it’s just kind of not necessary.

"These kinds of fights, I’m not the biggest fan of."

Page isn't the only person to voice some concerns.

Eddie Hearn previously said he was 'very sad' about the fight taking place.

And Ricky Hatton stated last month that boxing icons of yesteryear would be 'turning in their graves'.

Tyson is never one to shy away from a challenge, however.

And the heavyweight icon, speaking last week, blasted back at critics by saying they were 'jealous'.

"I'm 58 and what? I'm getting billions of views from just talking to somebody about fighting," he said.

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Boxing news Mike Tyson

"Everybody, even most of the athletes, they're jealous, that's whack.

"I say in your prime you couldn't draw a million people, man.

"What are you talking, you couldn't sell out arena. Who at 58 could sell out an 80,000-seat arena?

"Why you think he wants to fight me and not anybody else? Everybody wants to fight him, all the boxers want to fight him.

"But if he fought them the only people that will come are the people that like him.

Jake Paul

"The other guys, their parents might not even come watch them. That's just keeping it real.

"They're too boring for their children to watch, it's like watching grass grow."