On 7th March, the announcement of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul facing off against boxing legend Mike Tyson caused a massive online stir. Several fans around the globe couldn’t believe their eyes and ears, as 57-year-old Tyson decided to get in the ring with 27-year-old Jake Paul. But it’s true, the fight will happen on the 20th of July, and will be streamed on Netflix. Several fans have expressed their views on the fight, and Damian Lillard is among those who have spoken out.

Damian Lillard may not strike as a guy who’s into combat sports. He always cuts out a very calm and composed figure during his NBA games. However, looks can be deceiving. In a recent interview, Lillard revealed his love for boxing. During a conversation on the Dan Patrick Show, Lillard said, “I think I would have been a pretty good boxer.” When further quizzed about going up against Jake Paul, Lillard has this to say: “I think he (Jake Paul) is taking the route of a true fighter. And anybody who hasn’t had that opportunity then you shouldn’t be mentioned with those guys. He’s doing all the things to earn the right to be mentioned with fighters.”

Later in the interview, Dan Patrick asked Damian Lillard about the possibility of facing Tyson in the ring. To which Dame replied by saying, “Hell nah. I don’t care if he was 68, I wouldn’t do that.” While most fans have criticized Jake Paul for getting in the ring with a 58-year-old Tyson, Dame’s giving Jake props for facing Tyson is a breath of fresh air. Many would dismiss Dame’s opinions as uninformed, but Damian Lillard knows a thing or two about boxing.

Damian Lillard’s love for boxing

“Damian Lillard is not a basketball player. He’s a fighter who plays professional basketball.” This is what Damian Lillard’s trainer Cem Eren had to say back in 2021. Dame has long been an ardent fan of the sport. His family had a huge say in shaping his interest in boxing, as everyone in the Lillard household would gather around the TV to watch certain boxing matches.

Read More: Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Clippers’ Paul George Picks Between 57YO Semi-Retired Boxer and a ‘Professional Troll’

Due to his long-standing interest in boxing, Dame has learned the nitty-gritty of boxing, enabling him to offer insightful perspectives. He even predicted Andy Ruiz’s upset win over the highly favored Anthony Joshua. Boxing superstar Devin Haney even commended Dame for his boxing knowledge. He said, “I’m surprised at how much he actually knows about boxing. It’s rare. Most basketball players may know who I am, but they don’t really know the art and the matchups and the real business and the politics behind boxing. He actually, like, knows.” What are your thoughts on Damian Lillard’s insightful opinions on boxing? Let us know in the comments below.