The heavyweight legend will take on the YouTuber in a controversial fight next month but the former world champion thinks his old rival can be victorious in his first professional bout in almost two decades if he can cope with the physical demands of being in the ring.

Lewis, 59, told TMZ: "I would hope he would go into a fight where he would win. He’s a boxer, he knows how to protect himself, he knows how to throw body shots, he knows how to cut off the ring.

"He is younger than me so it really depends on his mobility, whether he can move fast around the ring when he’s going after a younger guy. We will have to see. I haven’t seen him lately to know if he can take it, but I have seen him looking muscular, so of course he can take it if he is in good shape."

Lewis defeated Tyson in the pair's 2002 world title fight and hasn't dismissed the possibility of a rematch against 'Iron Mike'.

'The Lion' said: "Let’s see how he makes out in this fight first. I have spoken to Mike, just about fighting. Let’s hope his health is ok. You can’t see things on the outside that may be affecting you on the inside. I wouldn’t want to say he is okay then all of a sudden something happens."

The fight has generated controversy because of the 30-year age gap between the two competitors but Lewis thinks that the social media star has more to fear against such an experienced fighter.

Lewis told Boxing News: "What are they concerned about? Mike Tyson knows how to defend himself and he’s boxing against a guy that’s as good a boxer as he is. Mike knows how to throw a good punch, how to break you down, so I’m more concerned about the other guy."