Mike Tyson makes worrying 'death' admission ahead of Jake Paul boxing fight

has admitted he'd rather die in the ring than in hospital if he slips up in his upcoming showdown with next month.

The former champion hasn't fought a professional contest since losing to Kevin McBride back in 2005. While he officially hung up his gloves that night, Tyson did return to the ring four years ago in an exhibition showdown with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr.

As for Paul, the 27-year-old is set to step foot in the ring for the third time this year. After defeating former fighter Mike Perry in his last outing, 'The Problem Child' is confident he can add another big name to his resume. With a record of 10-1, his only defeat in the sport of boxing .

Both Tyson and Paul were supposed to go head-to-head back in July, however, 'Iron Mike' was after suffering an ulcer flare up. The 58-year-old was advised to stop training, but has recently returned to the gym. Since the rescheduled date was confirmed, many within the boxing community have take to social media to slam the decision to still go ahead with the event. Promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed he'll be .

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Fans have also been left fearing for Tyson's health given the 31 year age gap between the two fighters. Those fears have only been heightened after the American's staggering admission recently. Ahead of the main event, have revealed they will be streaming a three-part, behind-the-scenes documentary series. Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson "captures inside footage from the fighters' training camps" as well as giving fans a close-up look at the demands of preparing for the clash.

Following the release of on Thursday afternoon, Tyson admitted: "This is really big for me If I win, I'll be immortal. If I do it bad, I don't want to die in a hospital bed, I want to die in the ring." It's not the first time over the last few months that the 58-year-old's comments have worried the boxing faithful. Tyson recently revealed that he was struggling to walk after sparring.

There are a few fans who believe the 58-year-old isn't taking the fight seriously. During a recent chat with Jimmy Kimmel, 'Iron Mike' claimed he was training six hours a day. "I am training extremely hard, I do six hours a day. I start at 11am and might leave the gym at 5pm," he said. Kimmel looked stunned and replied: "Oh no. 11am? So that's six hours straight, or is there a lunch break?" The former heavyweight champion admitted there was a small break as a shocked Kimmel gasped: "Oh no."

In the same interview, when Tyson was asked if he intends to be high during his bout with Paul, he replied: “I’m going to be so high off life, yeah." Kimmel then asked: “Will you be high on marijuana, as well?" Tyson replied: "That’s a possibility, too." The host then commented: "Oh no my bet is getting lower as we talk."