Nearly 40 years after making his professional boxing debut and 19 years since his last fight, Mike Tyson, at the age of 58, will return to the ring this Friday to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27, in a highly controversial and widely condemned match. The fight will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and is being streamed live on Netflix.
Tyson, who once ruled the heavyweight division with an iron fist in the late 1980s, will be taking part in a fight that many in the boxing world view as a dangerous spectacle. The match, set for eight two-minute rounds, had been scheduled for earlier in the year but was delayed after Tyson experienced a serious medical emergency while traveling from Miami to Los Angeles. Tyson was reported to have vomited blood due to a bleeding ulcer, raising further concerns about his health and ability to compete at his age.
This medical scare, combined with Tyson’s long absence from professional boxing (his last fight was in 2005), has led to widespread criticism of the fight, with many questioning the wisdom of the former champion’s decision to return to the ring. Critics argue that it’s a dangerous move, both for Tyson’s health and the integrity of the sport.
The fight between Tyson and Jake Paul is a clash of two very different worlds in boxing. Tyson, who was once one of the most feared fighters in the sport, has not fought professionally in nearly two decades. Meanwhile, Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, has carved out a niche in the boxing world by defeating a series of non-boxers and mixed martial artists in his first 11 bouts. Paul’s record stands at 10 wins (seven by knockout) and one loss.
Paul, who is six months younger than Tyson was when he infamously bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997, has boasted about his own readiness for the fight. At a recent open workout, he claimed to feel “sharp, powerful and explosive,” and predicted that it would be “a short night for Mike.”
Despite the vast gap in their respective boxing histories, Paul’s rise through the ranks has led to a large following, and his match with Tyson has drawn considerable attention due to the entertainment value of the spectacle. Tyson, however, insists he’s ready for the fight, and has brushed off concerns from critics who say he’s too old and too far removed from his prime to compete.
Critics: “It Shouldn’t Be Happening”
The decision to allow Tyson to fight has sparked outrage from many within the boxing community. Prominent British fight promoter Eddie Hearn called the bout “ridiculous,” stating that Tyson, at 58, “shouldn’t be in a ring at this age.” Hearn went on to criticise those who are pushing for the fight, saying, “If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you’re an idiot.”
Frank Warren, another veteran promoter, echoed Hearn’s sentiments, labeling the fight as “ridiculous” and comparing the event to a “traffic jam” where spectators are merely watching a “crash.”
Tyson, however, has remained defiant in the face of these criticisms. He argues that those against the fight are motivated by jealousy. “I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say,” Tyson said earlier this year, brushing off concerns for his wellbeing. “The people who said that wish they were up here. No-one else can do this.”
At a press conference in Texas earlier this week, Tyson was in a no-nonsense mood, stating, “I’m just ready to fight,” and downplaying the pre-fight hype.
One of the main concerns about the fight is Tyson’s health. Many believe that his age and physical decline will prevent him from being able to perform at a high level, and there are fears that the fight could be dangerous for the former champion. Legendary promoter Bob Arum, who has seen countless fighters come and go, said bluntly, “A 58-year-old guy, no matter how good they were, no matter how athletic they were, are not gonna be able to fight.”
Arum, who has promoted some of the biggest fights in history, expressed concern for Tyson’s safety and said he had “relatively no chance” of winning the fight. Tyson, however, seems resolute, insisting that his training has left him “tougher than [he] believed” and that he is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
What’s at Stake?
For Tyson, the fight represents a return to the ring after many years away. Despite his age and health concerns, Tyson remains a popular figure in the sport, and the chance to earn a reported $20 million for the bout has certainly added to his motivation. However, the fight is also a serious risk to his health, as many fear that Tyson, at his age, may not be physically capable of withstanding the demands of a professional boxing match.
For Jake Paul, the fight is another opportunity to bolster his standing in the boxing world. A win over a former champion like Tyson would cement his credibility as a boxer and could pave the way for even bigger bouts in the future. However, even a loss might not harm his career, as Paul has already established himself as a figure capable of generating massive interest, regardless of his in-ring results.
The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul bout is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events in boxing, even though it has drawn widespread criticism from boxing purists and critics alike. Whether Tyson can summon even a fraction of the fearsome talent that once made him a world champion, or whether Paul can deliver on his promise to make it “a short night,” remains to be seen. What is clear is that, despite the skepticism surrounding the fight, millions will be watching to see if the man once known as “Iron Mike” can turn back the clock for one last time.
