Fresh concerns have been raised about the upcoming professional fight between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The bout, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations will take place on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — but one promoter believes Iron Mike will be in danger once he steps into the ring.
It is no secret that a significant age gap exists between 57-year-old Tyson and 27-year-old Paul — the largest such gap in the history of organized professional boxing. Tyson last competed professionally in 2005, and the sport has changed immensely since then — prompting talk that he might not know just what he’s in for this summer.
Promoter says Tyson vs. Paul is a “circus act”
Tyson will have celebrated his 58th birthday by the time his fight with Paul rolls around, and promoter Ben Shalom thinks that the fight will “make a mockery of the sport” if it proceeds as planned.
“Having a 58-year-old in a professional boxing fight is clearly not professional and that’s where the line has to be drawn for these fights,” he told talkSPORT. “It’s ok for entertainment but for me, it’s a major step too far (to make the bout professiona), it is a circus act, you couldn’t get anything more ridiculous.”
Shalom is far from the only concerned observer. Tyson is said to be at risk for a brain bleed if Paul connects with his head. Tyson could also develop heart conditions as a byproduct of a drastic change to his training regimen, and these would create serious health problems for “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”
Beyond the health concerns, some believe that fighting Paul is a stain on Tyson’s legendary career and his reputation in the ring — especially after a 19-year pause in between fights.
“I feel like it is just dangerous, and the idea of a YouTube boxer beating Mike Tyson is not a nice feeling for me,” British boxer Richard Riakporhe told talkSPORT. “He could have that on his record and it is not nice as a boxing fan because we see Mike Tyson as a legend.”
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