Time waits for no man ...even the 'Baddest Man on the Planet'

Ex-boxer Julius warns Iron Mike before fight with YouTuber Paul

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

As one of the few men who faced Mike Tyson in his prime, British heavyweight Julius Francis knows all too well the sheer force the "Baddest Man on the Planet" once brought to the ring. But with Iron Mike set to step back between the ropes in the early hours of Saturday at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, the former British and Commonwealth champion is sounding the alarm bell over potential dangers.

Despite Tyson's 58 years, watching him train for his fight against cocksure YouTuber Jake Paul, 27, shows his legendary skill and conditioning remain. Julius, 59, lost to the American icon in January 2000 with the Mirror sponsoring the bottom of his boots and the back of his trunks. And he fears that his former opponent's body may no longer be able to withstand the punishment that comes with facing a man 31 years his junior.

He says: "It's dangerous. We all know what Mike Tyson was and used to be. I'm seeing videos of him looking very fit, strong and sharp. He looks in good nick but we've got to remember he's 58. "He's gonna be getting into the ring with somebody who's more than 30 years younger. Time waits for no man. Not even Mike."