EXCLUSIVE
Tony Bellew believes Mike Tyson does not need a 'sad' fight with Jake Paul on his professional record.
Paul took on, and knocked out, late replacement Mike Perry at the weekend, which has set up his rescheduled showdown with heavyweight legend Tyson on November 15.
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Tyson's clash with the influencer will surprisingly be a sanctioned professional contest, which could leave a stain on his glittering resume if he is to fall to defeat.
And former world champion Tony Bellew believes it is not a good look for his legacy, but understands why the icon accepted the offer.
"Of course the world is full of freaks and people want to watch this nonsense," Bellew said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
"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.
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"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."
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Tyson will earn a lucrative purse for the huge event, which will be his first professional appearance since 2008.
The ferocious puncher is now 58 and suffers from multiple medical conditions which have led to justifiable concerns for his health.
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Before halting training after suffering an 'ulcer flare up', he had been posting regular footage from camp where he still appeared to possess power in short bursts.
And Bellew hopes the dynamite hands will be enough to see Tyson over the line in an uphill battle against age.
He continued: "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.
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"The only thing I ope 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."
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