Mike Tyson, at 58, will return to the ring on Friday for a Netflix-backed bout against YouTuber Jake Paul, nearly 40 years after his professional debut and 19 years after his retirement from boxing. Tyson, who dominated the heavyweight division in the late 1980s, will face Paul in an officially sanctioned fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This highly anticipated event, consisting of eight two-minute rounds, was initially scheduled for July but was postponed after Tyson experienced a medical emergency during a flight in May, requiring treatment for a bleeding ulcer.
The matchup has drawn widespread criticism, with many in the boxing world questioning Tyson’s decision to fight at his age, given his retirement from the sport in 2005 following a loss to Kevin McBride. Prominent boxing figures, including British fight promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, have condemned the fight as dangerous, emphasizing Tyson’s age and past physical decline. Hearn particularly expressed concern for Tyson’s well-being, calling the situation absurd and likening it to a "macabre circus."
Tyson, however, has dismissed these concerns, stating that his critics are driven by jealousy. Despite his age and the risks associated with such a high-profile return, Tyson has remained confident, insisting that his training has proven he's tougher than he expected. At a press conference leading up to the fight, Tyson remained focused, stating that he was ready for the fight and looking forward to the challenge, downplaying the pre-fight hype.
Jake Paul, who has built his boxing career with a controversial list of opponents, is also eagerly anticipating the fight. Paul, who has a record of 10 wins and one loss in his boxing career, believes he will defeat Tyson quickly. While many feel that Tyson’s prime destructive power has long faded, legendary promoter Bob Arum believes Tyson has little chance, stating that no 58-year-old, regardless of past success, can perform at a competitive level in the ring.
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