A lot of people – from fellow boxing legends, to current boxers, to pundits and media personalities, and even fans – are against Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul. Why? Because of his age.
Tyson, who was once the most feared boxer on the planet, celebrated his most recent birthday on June 30. He was born in 1966, making him 58 years old ahead of Friday’s Netflix event at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Even Joe Rogan, for as big a fan as he is, came out against Tyson competing – although the UFC commentator and popular podcast host can understand why the former heavyweight champ is doing it.
“I wish it wasn’t a thing,” Rogan said during an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” in September. “I wish it wasn’t a thing where a 58-year-old guy was going to fight a (much younger guy). That said, I fully support his desire to do it. What, is he going to live forever? No, he’s not going to live forever. Maybe he wants one more shot at it. Maybe his body can do one more fight. I don’t know.”
Paul vs. Tyson age difference
Paul was born January 17, 1997, making him 27. In other words, Tyson will be 31 years older than Paul when they step into the ring.
By the time Paul was born, Tyson had 47 professional fights under his belt. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 when he beat Trevor Berbick by TKO on November 22, 1986, more than 10 years before Paul was born. Tyson’s shocking upset loss to Buster Douglas happened February 11, 1990, nearly seven years before Paul was born. Paul still wasn’t born for Tyson’s first fight with Evander Holyfield on November 9, 1996, and was barely 5 months old when Tyson infamously bit Holyfield’s ear during their rematch.
Mike Tyson health concerns
In addition to Tyson’s age, there are concerns about his general health heading into the fight with Paul. The original fight date earlier this year had to be scrapped after Tyson experienced a medical scare due to an ulcer while aboard a plane. Since then, Tyson’s health and overall condition have been scrutinzed. His agent, Andrew Ruf, last month had to quell fears of a knee injury after Tyson was seen wearing a compression sleeve in a training video.
All things considered, it’s no wonder so many prominent folks are against Tyson getting back in the ring.
For more on the fight, visit MMA Junkie’s hub for Paul vs. Tyson.
