Mike Tyson is arguably one of the most legendary heavyweight boxers of all time. Owing to a magnificent career full of brutal knockouts and a reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion at one point, Tyson is a living legend, without a doubt. That said, his upcoming fight has been a greatly contested topic.
For those unaware, Mike Tyson is set to put on the gloves once again in a fight against internet sensation and celebrity Jake Paul. Headlining a mega event put together by Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix, a first for the world of combat sports, the event will be live out of the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 20, 2024.
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Jake Paul 🇺🇸 🇵🇷 vs 🇺🇸 Mike Tyson
Katie Taylor 🇮🇪 vs 🇵🇷 🇺🇸 Amanda Serrano
H2O Sylve💧🇺🇸 vs 🇩🇴 🇺🇸 Floyd Schofield
Neeraj Goyat 🇮🇳 vs 🇧🇷 Whindersson Nunes… pic.twitter.com/oGxOXZfuFZ— Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 25, 2024
That said, there has been a lot of talk about the physical wherewithal of Mike Tyson, who will be 58 years old at the time of the fight. Whilst the 30-year age gap between him and his opponent is already a worrying factor, numerous footages of the boxing legend in less than ideal health have also emerged, leading to a lot of doubts about whether he should be stepping in the ring at all.
Will Mike Tyson’s health issues derail his fight against Jake Paul?
Since the announcement of the fight, fans, fighters, and experts have banded together to make their thoughts known about why the fight is a bad idea. Seeing that Mike Tyson is now nearing 60 years of age, he should be nowhere near a boxing ring, let alone be taking any sort of damage that could cause him irreparable harm.
Previously, following the announcement of the fight, social media platforms were rife with footage of ‘Iron Mike’ in a wheelchair, and sad to say it, but in a near vegetative state. Back in 2020, Tyson took on Roy Jones Jr. in what many hoped would be the last time he stepped into the ring, and it seemed to be the case before Jake Paul somehow managed to lure him out of retirement.
Mike Tyson on the Treadmill 👀 pic.twitter.com/Lglknw3Gon
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) May 28, 2024
That said, many criticized the initial announcement poster and video, stating that the images and clips used for it were all from many years ago. In comparison, his recent workout clips including one with him on the treadmill is making it ever clear that Mike Tyson is in no shape to be fighting. At the same time, many have alleged that what Mike is doing could be for show, to instill a false sense of security, but most still have their doubts.
How have fans reacted to Mike Tyson’s health concerns ahead of the fight?
Recently, it was revealed that Mike Tyson, during a trip from Miami to LA, presumably due to fight-related reasons, ended up having a medical emergency on his flight. As a result, the flight was seemingly delayed and the reports coming out since have naturally become a big talking point. According to the boxing legend’s representation, Mike “became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing”.
Subsequently, the team has since revealed that Tyson has since been doing great. Further, they also clarified that the two-hour flight delay was caused by an air conditioning issue on the aircraft rather than anything else involving the boxer. Regardless, the fight community remains firm on their stance that this fight is a very bad idea, and should be kept from going ahead by all means necessary.
This fight should be cancelled
— kamui (@nutcrak0) May 27, 2024
The Texas Commission MUST cancel this fight
— Muhammad Zain (@_muhammadzain1) May 27, 2024
How is this fight going through wtf
— igor🇺🇦 (@ukraniandream) May 27, 2024
Cancel this fight NOW
— Daanyaal (@Daanyaal00) May 27, 2024
Call the replacement
— Glock Purdy (@Stockton209ers) May 27, 2024
Notably, Most Valuable Promotions has also put out a statement regarding the situation, calling out the likes of KSI and Dillon Danis for spreading false information regarding Mike Tyson’s health. Naturally, Tyson is a massive asset to them and is a crucial part of the event that they have put together. Whilst some would suggest that Jake Paul and co. should look for a backup opponent, it is highly unlikely considering the massive attention the fight has already garnered.