58-Year-Old Mike Tyson to face Jake Paul on Friday

Entertainment

November 14, 2024

Nearly four decades after his professional debut and 19 years since retiring, 58-year-old Mike Tyson is set to return to the boxing ring on Friday in a highly criticized fight backed by Netflix. Tyson, who reigned over the heavyweight division in the late 1980s, will face 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The fight, consisting of eight two-minute rounds, was initially slated for July but postponed after Tyson suffered a bleeding ulcer on a flight, raising health concerns. Critics argue that Tyson, who last fought in 2005 in a loss to Kevin McBride, faces significant risks.

ā€œMike Tyson retired from boxing 20 years ago and was already worn out,ā€ said British promoter Eddie Hearn. ā€œIf anyone thinks Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no concern for him, or you’re being reckless. This shouldn’t be happening.ā€

Frank Warren shared similar views, calling the fight a spectacle comparable to a roadside accident. ā€œMike Tyson is 58 years of age and he shouldn’t be fighting. It’s as simple as that,ā€ Warren said. ā€œYou’re on the motorway, and everyone’s slowing down just to look at a crash — that’s what this is.ā€

Tyson, set to earn $20 million from the event, has dismissed these criticisms, attributing them to envy. ā€œI’m beautiful, that’s all I can say,ā€ he responded earlier. ā€œThose who criticise wish they were in my place. No one else can do this.ā€

At an open workout, Tyson claimed his rigorous training had reinforced his confidence. ā€œWhen I agreed to this fight, I thought, ā€˜What was I thinking?’ But I completed the process. The fight is the celebration. All the hard work is done.ā€ He later said at a press conference, ā€œI’m just ready to fight.ā€

Paul, who has built an 11-fight career with 10 wins, predicted a swift victory. ā€œI feel really good, sharp, powerful, and explosive. It’s going to be a short night for Mike,ā€ he said at an open workout.

Veteran promoter Bob Arum was doubtful about Tyson’s prospects. ā€œThe answer is no,ā€ Arum told SecondsOut.com. ā€œA 58-year-old man, no matter how good or athletic they were, can’t compete at that level anymore. I hope Mike doesn’t get hurt, but I really give him almost no chance.ā€

Boxing fans worldwide will be tuning in on Netflix and filling AT&T Stadium to see if Tyson’s comeback pays off.