In a stunning turn of events, boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, is set to return to the ring for a sanctioned fight against social media star Jake Paul, 27. The bout, organized by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, will take place on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While the event is generating massive buzz, it’s also raising serious questions about the safety and responsibility of allowing a man of Tyson’s age and health history to compete.
Tyson’s Troubling Health Concerns
Tyson’s last sanctioned fight was a TKO loss to journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005, when he was just shy of turning 39. At the time, Tyson admitted he no longer had the heart for the sport:
I do not have the guts to be in this sport anymore. I don’t want to disrespect the sport that I love. My heart is not into this anymore. I’m sorry for the fans who paid for this.
– Mike Tyson after his 2005 loss to Kevin McBride
Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Tyson’s health has become a major concern. Just two years ago, he was photographed in a wheelchair and holding a walking stick due to a flare-up of his sciatica, a painful nerve condition. Tyson has also struggled with back problems for years.
Perhaps most alarming was Tyson’s revelation that he threw up blood on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles as a result of a bleeding ulcer:
I had a big ulcer, two-and-a-half inches, and it was bleeding. All my friends were calling me like I was dying. I asked the doctor if I was going to die, and she didn’t say ‘No.’ … You wouldn’t believe what I endured from my ulcer. I lost 26 pounds.
– Mike Tyson discussing his ulcer on “Countdown: Paul vs Tyson” docuseries
Relaxed Rules and Limited Safeguards
Despite these red flags, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sanctioned the fight, albeit with some caveats. The rounds will be two minutes instead of the standard three, the fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the usual 10-ounce for heavyweights, and the bout is scheduled for 8 rounds instead of the typical 10 or 12.
When asked what additional medical testing was required given Tyson’s age and inactivity, a TDLR spokesperson simply stated they “will conduct the usual prefight physicals.” Per their rules, fighters over 36 must submit favorable EEG and EKG results.
However, some medical experts warn that may not be enough. Dr. John Neidecker of the Association of Ringside Physicians noted that aging increases risks of brain bleeds in fighters, though he acknowledged Tyson appears to be in better shape than the average 58-year-old.
Debating the Dangers and Merits
Opinions are split on whether this fight should happen. Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his disapproval:
This is dangerous, irresponsible and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the sport of boxing.
– Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing CEO
An anonymous state athletic commissioner who has sanctioned many title fights is also concerned:
I just don’t think that it would be good for boxing if [Tyson] were to get hurt.
– Anonymous state athletic commissioner
On the flip side, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian insists they have taken every precaution and followed all commission requirements to ensure both fighters’ safety. He argues there are also risks for the younger, less experienced Paul in facing a still-powerful Tyson.
Massive Interest and Betting Concerns
Sanctioning also enables betting on the fight, which is now legal in 38 states. However, 7 states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado, are prohibiting wagers due to the bout’s unusual rules and lack of traditionally ranked fighters.
Regardless, the event is expected to generate massive interest. Organizers anticipate over 60,000 fans and a $15+ million gate, shattering records for boxing in Texas. The global reach will be amplified by the fight streaming on Netflix, available to its nearly 300 million subscribers.
A Risky Spectacle or Intriguing Show?
As the boxing world holds its collective breath, it remains to be seen if Tyson vs. Paul will be a captivating show or a regrettable spectacle. While Tyson looks fit and powerful in training clips, there are still worries about his age, health and vulnerability against an opponent 31 years his junior.
Paul has certainly made his mark on boxing, drawing in younger fans with his brash personality and viral fights against MMA fighters and fellow celebrities. A win over Tyson, however controversial, would be his biggest coup yet.
In the end, only the fighters themselves may be able to assess their true readiness and the risks they’re willing to take. For concerned observers, there’s cautious hope that the commission’s safeguards and the fighters’ self-preservation will keep this hotly debated event from veering into dangerous territory.
