Lots of people – from fellow boxing legends, to present boxers, to pundits and media personalities, and even followers – are in opposition to Mike Tyson combating Jake Paul. Why? Due to his age.
Tyson, who was as soon as essentially the most feared boxer on the planet, celebrated his most up-to-date birthday on June 30. He was born in 1966, making him 58 years outdated forward of Friday’s Netflix occasion on the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Even Joe Rogan, for as large a fan as he’s, got here out in opposition to Tyson competing – though the UFC commentator and common podcast host can perceive why the previous heavyweight champ is doing it.
“I want it wasn’t a factor,” Rogan stated throughout an episode of “The Joe Rogan Expertise” in September. “I want it wasn’t a factor the place a 58-year-old man was going to combat a (a lot youthful man). That stated, I totally help his want to do it. What, is he going to dwell ceaselessly? No, he’s not going to dwell ceaselessly. Perhaps he needs yet one more shot at it. Perhaps his physique can do yet one more combat. I don’t know.”
Paul vs. Tyson age distinction
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul attend Fanatics Fest Press Convention at Javits Heart on August 18, 2024 in New York Metropolis. (Photograph by Michael Loccisano, Getty Pictures)
Paul was born January 17, 1997, making him 27. In different phrases, Tyson will likely be 31 years older than Paul after they step into the ring.
By the point Paul was born, Tyson had 47 skilled fights underneath his belt. Tyson grew to become the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 when he beat Trevor Berbick by TKO on November 22, 1986, greater than 10 years earlier than Paul was born. Tyson’s surprising upset loss to Buster Douglas occurred February 11, 1990, almost seven years earlier than Paul was born. Paul nonetheless wasn’t born for Tyson’s first combat with Evander Holyfield on November 9, 1996, and was barely 5 months outdated when Tyson infamously bit Holyfield’s ear throughout their rematch.
Mike Tyson well being considerations
Along with Tyson’s age, there are considerations about his common well being heading into the combat with Paul. The unique combat date earlier this 12 months needed to be scrapped after Tyson skilled a medical scare on account of an ulcer whereas aboard a airplane. Since then, Tyson’s well being and total situation have been scrutinzed. His agent, Andrew Ruf, final month needed to quell fears of a knee harm after Tyson was seen carrying a compression sleeve in a coaching video.
All issues thought of, it’s no marvel so many distinguished of us are in opposition to Tyson getting again within the ring.
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