Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut, Mike Tyson, the once-feared heavyweight champion, is set to step into the ring once more. At 58 years old, Tyson will face 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in an official, Netflix-backed match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight, which will consist of eight two-minute rounds, has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the safety of the boxing legend's return to the ring.

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US boxer Mike Tyson (L) and US boxer-actor Jake Paul (R) face each other during a press conference ahead of their heavyweight bout at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. | Photo: AFP

Tyson, who reigned supreme in the late 1980s, dominated the heavyweight division with a ferocious style and devastating knockout power. His prime was legendary, but after a series of personal and professional setbacks, Tyson's career took a downward turn. He officially retired from boxing in 2005 after a loss to Kevin McBride. Despite his retirement, Tyson has occasionally been in the public eye, and after a 15-year hiatus, he returned in 2020 for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., which ended in a split draw.

However, Tyson's return against Jake Paul has sparked renewed concerns. Critics from within the boxing world, including prominent fight promoter Eddie Hearn, argue that Tyson's comeback is a dangerous spectacle. “If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you're an idiot," Hearn said.

A dangerous matchup: The risks of Tyson’s comeback

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Mike Tyson (AP photo)

While Tyson has brushed off the concerns, claiming he’s “beautiful” and tougher than ever, the matchup with Paul is troubling to many in the sport. Tyson’s physical condition, at his age, is a major point of contention. Boxing legend Bob Arum, who has witnessed countless matches, doesn’t think Tyson has enough left in the tank. “A 58-year-old guy, no matter how good they were, no matter how athletic they were, are not gonna be able to fight," said Arum. “I hope Mike doesn’t get hurt, but I really give him relatively no chance.”

Tyson himself has been vocal about his readiness for the fight, stating, “I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say. The people who said that wish they were up here. No one else can do this.” In a final press conference before the fight, Tyson showed little interest in the pre-fight hype, telling reporters, “I'm just ready to fight. I’m looking forward to fighting.”

Jake Paul: The unlikely opponent

Jake Paul, known for his rise as a YouTube star, has transitioned into boxing, where he has amassed a 10-1 record with seven knockouts. Meanwhile, Tyson, once the youngest heavyweight champion in history, will face a much younger, more agile fighter in Paul, who feels confident heading into the match. "I feel really good, sharp, powerful and explosive," Paul said, adding, "It's going to be a short night for Mike."

Despite Paul's inexperience compared to Tyson’s storied career, the age gap and Tyson's long absence from competitive boxing make this fight an unpredictable and dangerous one. Tyson’s remarkable achievements in the ring during the 1980s—such as becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history—are undeniable. However, at 58, the question remains: does he still have the explosive power that once terrified the boxing world?

As millions of viewers tune in to see if Tyson’s hard work pays off, the stakes are high. Not only for the fighters involved but also for the sport itself. This spectacle is no longer just about the fight; it's about the risks that come with an aging legend trying to recapture his former glory, a spectacle that many believe is more dangerous than entertaining.

Tyson’s upcoming match against Paul will be a defining moment in boxing, for better or for worse.

Tyson’s final fights before retirement

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Mike Tyson’s career in boxing was legendary, but his final professional bouts marked a dramatic decline, as he was battered and defeated in ways that showed the inevitable end of his reign. His last official fight came on June 11, 2005, against Irish boxer Kevin McBride in Washington, D.C. Tyson was defeated in the sixth round when he failed to answer the bell for the seventh round, marking his retirement after a "TKO" loss. This fight signalled the end of Tyson's career in professional boxing.

Before that, Tyson faced Clifford Etienne on February 22, 2003. The fight was meant to be a comeback for Tyson after his loss to Lennox Lewis in 2002. Tyson won the bout by knockout in the first round, briefly showcasing his old power. However, it would be his final victory in the ring.

Tyson's fight with Lennox Lewis in June 2002 was one of the most anticipated matchups of the decade. Tyson lost the fight by an eighth-round knockout. After his loss to McBride, Tyson’s career as a professional boxer was over, but he has remained a popular figure, with his autobiography, podcast, and acting roles in various films and television projects. Tyson's brief return to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. ended in a split draw, but his upcoming fight with Jake Paul raises significant concerns about his ability to compete at 58.