Mike Tyson claims YouTuber boxer Jake Paul will ‘SAVE’ the sport as he insists the American ‘has the light’ ahead of his crossover fight with ex-UFC star Nate Diaz.

• Mike Tyson believes Jake Paul is “touched” and that he has “the light”.
• Paul has a strong record with just one loss in seven pro fights
• Bizarrely, Nate Diaz left his personal conversation with Paul

Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson has endorsed controversial YouTuber and former boxer Jake Paul to save the sport.

As one of the most notorious figures to make the switch to boxing, Paul has borne much of the criticism of amateurs who choose to switch careers from boxing traditionalists.

However, he has a strong record against former martial arts pros, beating the likes of Anderson Silva, Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley, losing only to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia in early 2023, which was his first professional loss.

Now Nate Diaz – a veteran of around 25 UFC fights – is poised for his first foray into the world of boxing as he takes on the 26-year-old in the ring.

And Tyson had plenty to say about his opponent, with Iron Mike insisting Paul was “touched” ahead of the fight.

“He will save boxing – as long as he keeps fighting,” said the 57-year-old. “He got the light, you know what I mean?” He is touched. He has the light.’

Paul himself has been open about his own chances against Diaz as he takes on one of the bigger names in the martial arts world – a man he admitted is “a warrior”.

However, Diaz has refrained from participating in the usual media circus that accompanies the highest-profile fights of modern times, preferring to keep a low profile leading up to the fight.

And it seems to have irked Paul – nicknamed ‘The Problem Child’ – who, like his fight against Fury earlier this year, claimed he was doing all the heavy lifting when it came to the pre-fight promo.

Additionally, Diaz’s apparent indifference has apparently prompted a change of heart from Paul, who has dubbed him a “slut” and vowed to end his career on Saturday when they compete.

“Whatever he wants to do,” Paul said of Diaz’s perceived lack of promotion.

“Saturday is his last day as a fighter.” I fucking knock him down and put him to sleep. he sucks He’s a tyrant.

“He’s not a professional like me.” That’s why I’m doing it at the highest level. That’s why he needs me to fight these fights.’