The boxing world has been eagerly awaiting the clash between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, but a growing chorus of voices, including boxing legend Hulk Hogan, are expressing concern about the potential dangers for the 58-year-old Tyson. Hogan, a close friend of Tyson, voiced his worries during a recent podcast appearance, stating that Paul's strength and power could pose a serious threat to Tyson's well-being.
Hogan's apprehensions stem from the significant age gap between the two boxers and Tyson's recent health issues. Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, has not fought a professional bout since 2005. The bout was initially scheduled for July, but it was postponed after Tyson suffered a medical emergency on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May. The incident, which involved nausea and dizziness, was attributed to an ulcer flare-up.
Despite these concerns, Tyson remains confident in his ability to compete against Paul. He insists there is nothing to worry about regarding his health. However, Hogan remains steadfast in his concerns, highlighting Paul's formidable power and the risks associated with a clash between a seasoned veteran and a younger, more aggressive opponent.
Hogan's statement on Logan Paul's "Impulsive" podcast underscores the growing worry surrounding Tyson's decision to step back into the ring at 58. "Your brother [Jake Paul] is too strong," Hogan stated, referring to Paul's recent victory over Mike Perry. "… As soon as I saw him get the guy up with the left to throw the overhand right? I went, ‘Oh, my God.’… I mean really, it was scary. I love Mike to death. I don’t want him to kill Mike. Jesus." The wrestling icon's remarks highlight the immense power Paul possesses, and the potential for a devastating knockout blow that could spell danger for Tyson.
The fight between Tyson and Paul is scheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The bout will be Tyson's first professional fight in nearly two decades, and it is poised to be a highly anticipated event, even with the growing concerns about Tyson's health.
The Texas Licensing Regulators have been tasked with assessing Tyson's fitness to compete. However, they will not conduct their evaluation until November 14, just a day before the fight. This approach has raised further anxieties as it leaves little room for a last-minute cancellation if Tyson's health deteriorates before the fight.
The fight itself has been the subject of much debate, with many critics questioning the wisdom of Tyson's decision to face a younger, more agile opponent. Joe Rogan, the renowned UFC commentator, expressed his own concerns about the fight, stating that he "wished it wasn’t a thing." Rogan acknowledged Tyson's skill and power but highlighted the physical toll that age and inactivity might take on the former champion. "What you want to see is him sparring. You want to see him hitting the bag for multiple rounds. Let’s see three rounds hard on the bag. I want to see what you can do. I want to see how your feet move. I want to see what it looks like if you’re off balance when you’re throwing combinations." Rogan's remarks underscore the importance of testing Tyson's endurance and stamina before the fight.
However, despite the worries and criticisms, the fight remains scheduled, and the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome. The contest promises to be a spectacle, but the stakes are high for both fighters, particularly for Tyson, who faces a significant risk in stepping back into the ring at his age.
The Boxing World Reacts to the Tyson-Paul Bout
The Tyson-Paul bout has sparked a wave of reactions from the boxing world, with many expressing concerns about the potential dangers for Tyson. Ben Askren, a former Olympic wrestler and MMA champion, who was knocked out by Paul in one round, shared his perspective on the fight, stating that it was a "lose-lose" situation for Tyson. "I just feel like 58 is… I mean, yes the one thing he’ll probably retain is the power, so Mike Tyson needs to catch him. But the gas tank and all the other things that go with it definitely go downhill, especially when you haven’t been doing it very competitively." Askren acknowledged Tyson's power but highlighted the limitations imposed by age and inactivity.
Other figures in the boxing world have also expressed their concerns. Michael Bisping, a former UFC champion, criticized Paul for targeting Tyson, who is approaching his sixties. However, Daniel Cormier, Bisping's UFC colleague, believes that Tyson could knock Paul out early on. Cormier cautioned that a knockout victory for Paul would be more detrimental than beneficial for his career.
A Fight With High Stakes
The Tyson-Paul fight is a high-stakes affair, with both fighters facing unique challenges and risks. For Tyson, the fight presents a potential comeback opportunity after a long hiatus from the ring. However, his age and recent health issues pose significant hurdles to overcome. For Paul, the fight represents a chance to solidify his position in the boxing world by defeating a legendary figure. However, a loss could potentially damage his burgeoning career.
As the fight draws closer, the anticipation and concerns will only escalate. The boxing world is eagerly awaiting the outcome, but the stakes are high for both fighters. Only time will tell if the fight will happen and what the outcome will be.
