Mike Tyson returning to the ring to face Jake Paul has drawn considerable criticism from the boxing world.
Tyson last fought professionally in 2005 but will step through the ropes at 58-years-old to face Paul, 27, who has had eleven pro fights against largely novice opposition but is dedicated in the gym, remains active and packs a punch.
Those are just three reasons many feel the fight is dangerous. Speaking to Canada Casino, Paulie Malignaggi made it clear that he falls firmly into that camp.
“Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike’s age aren’t good. When you’re younger, you can handle hits better. When you’re older, your body isn’t made for that kind of damage anymore. Things could go badly wrong. If something like that happened, people would be calling for the sport to be banned.”
The former world champion believes someone should put a stop to the fight before it happens.
“Personally, I don’t think his fight with Jake Paul should happen. He’ll be 58 years old by then. 58 is still 58. We live in a generation that doesn’t understand aging is a real thing. You can show highlights of Mike from the 80s, but the guy stepping into the ring won’t be that same Mike Tyson. You’re selling pay-per-views based on nostalgia, not reality. The fact that the public won’t understand that is mind-boggling.
Back in the 80s, they wouldn’t have done this. Imagine Joe Frazier fighting in his 60s. Jake Paul might not be world-class, but he’s certainly not a novice. He’s been boxing for about five years. After four years of boxing, I won the U.S. National Championships, so Jake’s far from a beginner. He’s strong and young.
Hitting someone Tyson’s age has serious risks. Tyson wasn’t taking punches well at 36, let alone now. If you hit a guy who’s that old, it affects them. Imagine what getting hit by a strong guy like Jake would do to him. I wouldn’t want to find out.”
