On Saturday night, July 20th, an interesting boxing event streamed live on Netflix took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where former two-time world heavyweight champion Iron Mike Tyson took on the role of famous YouTuber turned professional boxer. He will face off against the transformed Jake. “Problem Child” Paul.
Fight fans were in a state of shock when this surprise announcement was made, and once the initial shock wore off, the Tyson vs. Paul announcement began to receive heavy criticism. The name Mike Tyson is iconic, but at 57 years old, the Mike Tyson of 2024 is a watered down version of his former self.
Many fight fans wonder why Mike Tyson would step into the ring to participate in this type of event. Some may wonder if Jake Paul is serious about boxing, why would he fight a retired boxer 30 years his senior?
Both questions have one thing in common: a simple one-word answer. That magic word is “money.” A Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul match would automatically be a moneymaker, but despite the potential earning potential of this event, there is a lot to be desired given the fact that Mike Tyson will be 58 years old by the time the fight actually takes place. There are some game fans who can't stand it.
The boxing match is being promoted as an event, so maybe Tyson and Paul have agreed to take part in a light sparring session. That could spell trouble for Mike Tyson if it turns out to be an actual boxing match.
Iron Mike fans have mixed feelings, with some clinging to the idea that the boxing legend will still win at an advanced age because he is, after all, Mike Tyson. On the other side of Tyson's fan base, there are those who are skeptical because of the polarizing number 57.
At the end of his boxing career, Mike Tyson lost his last two fights by knockout. In July 2004, Tyson was stopped in the fourth round by Danny Williams, and about a year later, he was stopped in the sixth round by Kevin McBride.
Tyson had stamina issues in the last two fights of his career. Tyson attacked ferociously for the first three rounds, but fatigue set in as his opponent weathered the storm and Tyson faced extreme difficulties.
Nineteen years later, legendary Iron Mike Tyson is set to take on Jake Paul. If the fight with Paul turns from an event to a boxing match, fatigue will be an issue if Paul can withstand Tyson's initial attack.
In addition to age and stamina issues, Mike Tyson's health is also causing concern. Disturbing photos of Mike Tyson walking with a cane or using a wheelchair at an airport have been circulating on social media.
Back in August 2022, Mike Tyson was a guest on Newsmax, and during an interview with host Greta Van Susteren, the former heavyweight champion mentioned the viral photo. Tyson admitted that he suffers from sciatica, a nerve-affecting disease that causes pain in the lower back and legs.
“I have sciatica. Sometimes it flares up, and when it flares up, I can't even talk,” Tyson said. “Thank God, that's the only problem I have.”
Mike Tyson's problem inside the ring on Saturday night, July 20th will be 27-year-old Jake Paul. Although some label him a novice boxer, Paul has made dramatic strides. His technique is much better, he has developed a jab, his shot placement has improved and he throws a vicious right hand.
Jake Paul is the heavy favorite in the early odds, as Paul is younger, faster, and faster than the former heavyweight world champion. Some longtime fans of Mike Tyson fear that Jake Paul will defeat the boxing legend by knockout.
This is a dangerous fight for Mike Tyson, but it's also a dangerous fight for Jake Paul. Although Tyson is much older, he is also an experienced veteran. In addition to his experience, Iron Mike has lost some speed and quickness, but still has devastating knockout power.
As mentioned earlier, Jake Paul is the favorite based on how this fight has gone through four rounds. After four rounds, Tyson should start to wear down, at which point Paul could take over the fight.
The question is, is Jake Paul experienced enough to survive Mike Tyson's initial brutal attack in a legitimate boxing match?
