For any boxer, facing Mike Tyson in the ring is an experience few forget, especially when it comes to his punching power. His opponents have consistently described the impact of Tyson’s punches as something beyond the norm even for elite fighters.
Roy Jones Jr, who fought Tyson in an exhibition fight in 2020, said it felt like he was being “kicked by a mule” and considered Tyson – despite his age – the hardest puncher he had ever encountered.
Tyson’s punches are known for their unique combination of speed and brute force, which even the most prepared fighters find overwhelming. Many former opponents credited Tyson with the ability to end fights in seconds if he connected cleanly.
Relatively speaking, Jake Paul’s punches, while powerful, are a different story. Paul is known for his work ethic and improved skills. He is strong, but has yet to come close to the fearsome power that Tyson possessed in his prime.
MMA fighter Tyron Woodley, who faced Paul twice, noted Paul’s physicality but did not describe his strength as exceptional.
Woodley instead emphasized Paul’s accuracy and conditioning, which allowed him to score knockouts against fighters transitioning from MMA.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will face off in a few hours for their blockbuster showdown
For any boxer, facing Mike Tyson in the ring is an experience few forget, especially when it comes to his punching power (photo – Tyson looks back at Clifford Etienne in 2003)
Paul’s punches, while powerful, are a different story. Paul is known for his work ethic and improved skills. He is strong, but has yet to reach the terrifying power that Tyson possessed
Nate Diaz, another opponent, recognized the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s strength, but saw it as more of a calculated and steady force than a raw puncher in the style of Tyson.
As Tyson and Paul battle in the early hours of Saturday morning (GMT), this difference in reputation for punching power is in stark contrast. Tyson’s punches are infamous in boxing history for their knockout potential, while Paul’s power has yet to reach such mythical status.
So, with the above in mind… Mail Sport has taken a look at what some of Tyson and Paul’s former opponents have said about their power.
MIKE TYSON’S FORMER OPPONENTS
Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes, a former heavyweight champion himself, was known for his durability and skill, but Tyson’s power left him visibly shaken and ultimately led to a knockout.
Of Tyson, Holmes said, “He hit me harder than anyone has ever hit me in my life. He hit me with everything.”
Michael Spinks
Michael Spinks, an undefeated champion before facing Tyson, famously lasted just 91 seconds in the ring. Tyson’s overwhelming power in the opening seconds shocked Spinks and spectators alike.
Speaking about Tyson, Spinks said: “That guy can hit. I tried to avoid getting hit by him, but once he hit me, I was done for.”
Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis, another heavyweight legend, defeated Iron Mike later in Tyson’s career. However, he always respected Tyson’s power and often commented on the danger of being caught by one of Tyson’s punches.
Speaking about Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion said: “Mike was an animal. You knew if it connected, it was lights out.”
Lennox Lewis (right) defeated Iron Mike but insisted he always respected Tyson’s power
Tyson knocked out Michael Spinks in 91 seconds, showcasing the 58-year-old’s power
Frank Bruno
Frank Bruno fought Tyson twice and got knockouts both times. He often spoke of Tyson’s intimidating power, calling him a “monster” in the ring.
Speaking about Tyson, Bruno said: “He hits so hard, it’s unreal. You don’t know where you are if he catches you.’
Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield’s durability and tactical skills helped him beat Tyson twice, but he respected Tyson’s raw power and athleticism, calling him one of the hardest hitters he ever faced.
Speaking of Tyson, Holyfield said: “He had the power to knock you out at any time. He was like a stick of dynamite waiting to explode.”
Trevor Berbick
Trevor Berbick lost his heavyweight title to Tyson and was left stumbling and disoriented after a brutal second-round knockout. He is known to have struggled to get up after being knocked down, showing how Tyson’s strength left him unable to regain his balance.
About Tyson, Berbick said, “I didn’t know where I was when he hit me. His punches feel like sledgehammers.”
Trevor Berbick revealed ‘he didn’t know where he was’ after being hit by a Tyson punch
Tyson knocked out Frank Bruno (right) twice in his career, with Bruno calling him a “monster.”
Buster Douglas
Buster Douglas famously defeated Tyson in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, but he still noted that Tyson’s power was unlike anything else he had encountered.
Speaking about Tyson after their fight, Douglas said: “He hit harder than anyone I faced. It was like a bomb went off.’
Kevin McBride
Kevin McBride fought Tyson in his last professional fight (to date) and later commented on the danger that Tyson’s still formidable power posed even after his prime.
McBride said of Tyson, “Even when he was older, he had that power. One blow can mean the end of your career.’
Tony Tukker
Tony Tucker managed to go the distance with Tyson, but he left the ring with a broken hand and repeatedly spoke of Tyson’s “incredible” strength.
Speaking about Tyson after their fight, Tucker said: “He was an absolute powerhouse, like nothing I had ever felt before.”
Kevin McBride commented on the danger that Tyson’s formidable power posed in his later years
Buster Douglas (center) famously defeated Tyson in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, but he still noted that Tyson’s power was unlike anything else he had encountered
JAKE PAUL’S FORMER OPPONENTS
Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva, one of the most respected MMA fighters of all time, praised Paul’s strength after their fight. While Silva’s striking experience is vast, he admitted that Paul’s punches were heavier than he expected.
Speaking of Paul, Silva said: “He hits hard. People may think he’s just a YouTuber, but he’s a real fighter.”
Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz went the distance with Paul, but downplayed Paul’s strength, attributing it to his own durability. However, he still realized that the YouTuber turned boxer could land some solid shots.
Speaking about Paul after the fight took place, Diaz said: “He’s got some pop, but I’m not going to shy away from just that,” before also adding: “He’s a decent boxer, I’ll give him that.”
Tommy Fury
Tommy Fury, an undefeated professional boxer, handed Paul his first defeat. He acknowledged Paul’s strength, but argued that Paul was still inexperienced as a boxer, citing times when he outwitted him with technical skill.
Speaking about Paul after their fight, Fury said: ‘He’s strong, there’s no doubt about that. But not unstoppable.’
Tommy Fury highlighted Paul’s strength but argued he was inexperienced in the ring
Nate Diaz downplayed Paul’s power, though he acknowledged his ability to deliver hard punches
Deji
Deji, who fought Paul in Paul’s amateur debut, said that while he did not feel the same level of power as other professional fighters, Paul’s strength was remarkable for someone with no previous fighting experience.
Speaking of Paul, Deji said: “He packs quite a punch, you can feel it.”
Tyrone Woodley
Tyrone Woodley, a former UFC champion, faced Paul twice and was knocked out in their rematch. Although initially skeptical, he acknowledged Paul’s clout when he said, “He’s better than I thought.”
Speaking out against Paul, he added: “He has power, that’s for sure. He caught me clean.’