UFC CEO Dana White has long been friends with Mike Tyson. As such, it comes as no surprise that he is concerned about his health ahead of his return to the ring. Tyson faces 31-years-younger YouTuber boxer and cruiserweight sensation Jake Paul in just over a day.
Friday, consensus heavyweight icon Mike Tyson (50-6) will step through the ropes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to take on Paul in an eight-round pro bout. It serves as the historic main event, the first live sporting event streaming on Netflix. White and others have long voiced against the age disparity. As he does again, but on a more concerning last-ditch note:
I will not say anything bad about this fight because I love Mike Tyson, …The only thing that I hope is that Mike comes out of this fight healthy… I just hope he does. At 58 years old, I mean, I’m 55, and obviously, I’ve never been the level of athlete that Mike Tyson is, but 27 vs. 58? It’s hard to consistently work out at that age just for health purposes.
Dana White for “The Jim Rome Show” (@jimrome)
At the end of the 1980s, Tyson became a legendary force in the world of boxing as the WBC and the IBF heavyweight titleholder. Even though that was past that prime, he touts to be just as scary. Despite his age gap, Tyson wants a last hail mary to show he can still do it. Matter of fact, “Iron” Mike requested the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations to officially have it as a pro-sanction.
Tyson’s last professional bout was in June 2005 against Kevin McBride, which he lost by sixth-round KO. Meanwhile, gimmicky or not, “Problem Child” has been sweeping out competition one by one, making strides in his pro boxing career. He is fresh off a DAZN Pay-per-view sixth-round headliner TKO over one Mike Perry. At the end of the day, dangerous or not, White agrees it’s wholly Tyson’s business wanting to fight.
First look: Mike Tyson steps on the scales for Jake Paul fight
After bad optics on a wheelchair and a cross-country ulcer flare-up, Mike Tyson looks good at 58. The “Kid Dynamite” of the old has had his clinical test pools and TDLR voluntary checkups. Now he is ready to rock against Jake Paul (10-1, 7 KOs), who is hydrating at heavyweight limits for the first time.
The 58-year-old Tyson stepped on the scales in Irving, Texas, on Thursday morning to make his official weight. Have a look at this photo of Tyson on the scales on Thursday morning in Texas:
.@MikeTyson looked great on the scales during early weigh-ins 💪⚖️ #PaulTyson
via @MostVpromotions pic.twitter.com/48grKwPKbi
— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) November 14, 2024
Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) has been a consensus legend in the fully sanctioned heavyweight spectrum; but that was a lot of suns and moons past. Hence, as a result, there are special rule sets in place. The contest is for eight, 2-minute rounds – a minute shorter than the typical men’s pro boxing.
The duo would also sport 14-ounce gloves for extra protective padding against breakage. This marks a 4-ounce rise from normal limitations. The live streaming of the Tyson vs. Jake Paul ceremonial weigh-ins took place at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) at Toyota Music Factory in Irving. Everything is smooth sailing so far.
The Department of Licensing and Regulations will not be releasing full weights on the scale. But, all in all, Tyson seems to be in a good frame. Come a few more hours, it will be final once and for all if he still is the “Baddest Man” on the planet.
