The pair will meet in the ring in July at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Mike Tyson will take on Jake Paul later this year in a keenly awaited bout – and Iron Mike has sent his opponent a chilling message as he prepares for his return to the ring.

The 57-year-old has not fought professionally since 2005, but is busy preparing to end a 20-year absence from the ring when he takes on YouTuber Paul in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday July 20.

Tyson is a legendary figure in the sport, having 50 wins from 58 fights under his belt, two no contests and only six losses in a career which spanned two decades.

His last professional fight came against Kevin McBridge in 2005, but was stopped within two rounds.

Mike Tyson announces end to Hotboxin’ podcast
Credit: Instagram/MikeTyson

Paul meanwhile is in the infancy of his professional boxing career, with the 27-year-old boasting nine wins in 10 fights so far and only one solitary defeat, which came at the hands of Tommy Fury last year.

Both men are now preparing for a blockbuster fight that has divided opinion.

While some quarters are delighted to see Tyson make his return to professional boxing, others have questioned the safety of the fight, given the huge age gap between the two men involved.

Prominent figures from combat sport have voiced their concerns about the fight, with promoter Eddie Hearn admitting he may not even watch the bout.

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Ricky Hatton has not held back with his criticism of the upcoming fight, while UFC president Dana White raised the issue of the age difference between the two men, with Paul 30 years younger than Iron Mike.

Both men are busy training ahead of their July fight – and Tyson has sent Paul some chilling messages as he prepares.

Taking to Snapchat, accompanied by a picture of him drinking from a water bottle with wraps on after training, Tyson wrote: “Jake Paul, where you at?”

And in another warning message to the YouTuber, Tyson wrote: “Fighting is a sport: if you’re not humble, it’s going to bring humbleness to you.”

Whether you agree with this fight taking place or not, it is certainly one which has captured the attention and will attract viewers when it comes around in July.