Aged 58, heavyweight legend Mike Tyson returns to the ring for an exhibition-style opposition on Friday, November 15, against Jake Paul, a YouTuber with 20.8 million subscribers. This is his first professional fight in 20 years and his state of health raises questions. Jake Paul has already fought ten fights, winning nine.
Many observers, including former American boxing world champion Deontay Wilder, have expressed concern about seeing a nearly sixty-year-old lined up in a professional fight, saying they fear a serious injury. The player had to postpone the fight initially scheduled for July 20, after receiving medical treatment on May 26 aboard a plane in which he complained of nausea and dizziness.
The streaming giant Netflix and Jake Paul's promotion company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), who organize this match, insist on the professional nature of this fight. However, some adjustments are planned. With the approval of the Texas commission responsible for licensing for boxing fights, there will be 8 rounds of 2 minutes, instead of the 12 rounds of 3 minutes often practiced by the pros.
A worrying state of health
Since the announcement of this fight, Mike Tyson has resumed intensive training. A risk for the heart health of the former champion who fought a merciless battle against his drug and alcohol addictions for decades. Cocaine in particular has the side effect of narrowing the arteries and increasing blood pressure. If under pressure, he could suffer from heart failure.
As we age, the brain shrinks slightly in size, increasing the risk of subdural hematomas, a hemorrhage around the brain. Alcohol also accelerates brain shrinkage. The player risks being more vulnerable than his opponent in the event of a blow to the head and suffering more serious repercussions.
Millions at stake
Although the precise figures have not been revealed, several million dollars are at stake. For the bankrupt boxer, this is a golden opportunity. According to estimates from the American newspaper The New Yorker, the total sum could reach 80 million dollars (around 75 million euros). Some sources have indicated that the player will receive around $20 million.
The former player has repeatedly said that the financial aspect did not weigh in the balance. “ This fight will not change anything in my life. I only do it for a personal challenge “, he told the New Yorker.
During his tumultuous career which began in 1985, « Iron Mike »world heavyweight champion, had won 50 victories including 44 by knockout. But he also suffered six defeats, his first in 1990 against James « Buster » Douglas in Tokyo, and two others remained famous against Evander Holyfield in 1996 and 1997. His last world championship dates back to 2002, in Memphis, where the Briton Lennox Lewis sent him to the mat in the eighth round.
