Nearly 40 years after his debut and 19 years since his retirement, 58-year-old Mike Tyson is set to return to the ring for a Netflix-backed fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27. The match will take place this Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and has sparked widespread criticism in the boxing world due to Tyson’s age and health concerns.
Tyson, who was a dominant figure in the heavyweight division in the late 1980s, is scheduled for an eight-round fight against Paul, in what is being labeled a “macabre spectacle.” Tyson’s last professional fight was in 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride in a technical knockout, and the incident where he needed medical treatment after vomiting blood has only intensified the concerns about his return to the ring.
Prominent figures in boxing, such as promoter Eddie Hearn, have strongly criticized the fight. Hearn stated, “Mike Tyson retired from boxing 20 years ago and was already worn out… This shouldn’t be happening.” Frank Warren echoed this, calling it “a roadside accident.” However, Tyson remains unfazed, claiming that critics are driven by jealousy and dismissing their concerns, saying, “I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say. No one else can do this.”
Despite the concerns, Tyson has confidently declared that his training has revealed he’s tougher than he realized, describing the fight as a “celebration” of the hard work he’s put in. At a press conference in Texas, Tyson expressed readiness, saying, “I’m just ready to fight.”
Meanwhile, Jake Paul, who has transitioned from YouTube to boxing, is confident about his chances, claiming the fight will be a “short night” for Tyson. Paul has built a reputation in the ring with a record of 10 wins, 7 by knockout, and 1 loss, and will look to capitalize on his prime physical condition.
Veteran promoter Bob Arum, however, has serious doubts about Tyson’s ability to compete at a high level, stating, “A 58-year-old man, no matter how good or athletic they were, can’t compete at that level anymore.” He hopes Tyson avoids injury but gives him little chance in the ring.
The bout is set to capture global attention, with Netflix streaming the event for a worldwide audience. Fans and critics alike will be watching to see if Tyson can defy expectations and prove he’s still got the skills that once made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history.
