“Solid Boxer”: Charles Barkley Risks Fan Backlash With Bold Stance on Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Fight

Is Mike Tyson going to be okay? It would not be an exaggeration to say this fight has turned the world upside down. Not just boxing fans, everyone is waiting with bated breath for the matchup. On one side is a pro fighter who hasn't stepped inside the ring in years, and on the other, a tough boxer who has only recently started his professional journey. Charles Barkley, who shares one connection with Mike Tyson, had an interesting take on the fight and shared some concerns for his good friend.

In the latest segment of The Steam Room podcast, one caller asked Sir Charles who he thinks has the potential to win. Before answering, Chuck voiced his concerns about Tyson. The former heavyweight champ is now 58, and Chuck hopes the legend doesn't get injured. While Tyson is highly skilled, his age and past injuries are a concern.

"I just hope Mike don't get hurt. Mike used to be a neighbor of mine in Arizona, believe it or not...I just hope nothing bad happens to him," Barkley detailed. But when Ernie pressed him for an answer, Barkley said he believes 27-year-old Paul will likely emerge as the winner.

The much-anticipated fight is set for Nov. 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be streamed exclusively on Netflix. Chuck also mentioned that he would have answered differently if the bout had taken place in the past.

He explained that Tyson, with his record of 50 wins, would have easily defeated his opponents back then. He shared that he wouldn't have worried and would've fully supported Tyson if this were 30 years ago. Discussing the same, Chuck said , "I like Jake Paul in the fight, I hate saying that. But if they had have fought 30 years ago, Mike would've killed him." Paul is certainly heavily favored among the fans, but Iron Mike cannot be ruled out as he has experience.

Barkley seemed quite confident in his prediction. After all, Tyson is the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight world title. And we don't doubt Chuck's faith in his neighbor.

Charles Barkley recalls the memory of his neighbor Well, Chuck's ex-neighbor! On the podcast, Charles Barkley surprised Johnson by revealing that Tyson used to be his neighbor. And before that, on the Kelce brothers' podcast, New Heights, Barkley shared that he once met Tyson at a New Year's Eve party where the boxer was causing a bit of trouble.

As Barkley explained, he was the one who convinced 'Iron Mike' to stop his questionable actions. "Two hours into the party, three or four of the husbands come up to me and says,' Yo man, you gotta do something about Mike.' I said, 'What's Mike doing?' He says, 'He grabbin' our wives by the a-s.' I say to these dudes, 'So let me get this straight, the guy who bit a guy's ear off, y'all want me to go and confront him?"' the Phoenix Suns legend said on the show.