The former heavyweight champion worked with Ngannou, 37, for his 2023 fight against Tyson Fury, and he's now backed Tyson to win his bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Ngannou shared: "I did train with Mike Tyson, and that was for one fight, my fight against Tyson Fury.

"Boxing is a completely different sport to mixed martial arts … the application of everything.

"He’s definitely not as he was when he was young, but when he moves around and shows you something, I’m like, ‘What the hell is this?'"

Ngannou is convinced that Tyson, 58, will surprise people with his speed in the upcoming fight.

The former UFC star said: "I think that is something that people don’t understand about Mike Tyson ... His footwork is still there. He can still move from your left to your right in the blink of an eye."

Tyson previously revealed that he was looking forward to facing Paul on November 15.

The sports icon - who became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time in the 1980s - said: "I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT and T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

"He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.

"It's a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him."