BADOU JACK hopes his friends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr do not ‘get hurt’ when they come out of retirement to fight each other.
But the Swede – who fights on the undercard – warned that despite the so-called exhibition rules, ‘somebody can still get knocked out’.
Jack, 37, told SunSport: “It would be one thing if one guy was against a younger guy, but they’re both near the same age so at least it’s kind of fair.
“I’m friends with both of them so I hope none of them get hurt, because they’re up in age.
“It’s hard to say as it’s an exhibition but somebody can still get knocked out.”
Tyson, 54, and Jones, 51, have both been instructed not to try and knock each other out this Saturday by the California State Athletic Commission.
CSAC have repeatedly reaffirmed that the pay-per-view spectacle is nothing more than a glorified sparring sessions.
But the night’s main-eventers – who came close to fighting in 2003 – have distanced themselves from that stance, promising all-action.
And Jack – who is close to both men – knows they will struggle to hold back, especially Iron Mike, one of boxing’s most celebrated punchers.
He said: “I don’t think Tyson can take it easy.
“They’re doing two-minute rounds and they’re only eight, but Tyson punches harder than Roy.
“Tyson – at least back in the day could – take a punch better than Roy.”
Former super-middleweight and light-heavyweight champion Jack faces little-known American Blake McKernan on the undercard.
And occupying the co-headliner spot is YouTuber Jake Paul, 23, and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson, 36.
Paul won his pro debut in January, two months after his brother Logan lost to internet rival KSI – real name Olajide William Olatunji.
Logan, 25, and KSI, 27, turned pro for their rematch, having drawn in an exhibition a year earlier.
Jack was ringside that night and even accompanied KSI to the ring.
But he is no longer involved now the social media stars crossed over to the paid ranks, but understands the commercial value they bring.
Jack explained: “I was a little bit involved last time, I walked KSI to the ring before he fought that guy Logan Paul.
“That was a big event business-wise but now it’s a bit too much, with NBA players and stuff.
“But this is a business too.”
Jack has not fought since December when he lost his WBA ‘Regular’ light-heavyweight title against Jean Pascal, 37.
He hopes to use his spot on Tyson’s undercard as preparation to rematch Pascal, while donating proceedings to his ‘Badou Jack Foundation’.
Jack said: “I’d rather fight Pascal straight away, but he don’t want it, and this is a big event, especially for my charity.
“There will be a lot of eyeballs and not even boxing fans as they’ve got these YouTubers fighting on the undercard.
“So it’s a perfect chance to promote our foundation and give them ‘A fighting chance in life’ – that’s our slogan.”
