Legendary boxer Mike Tyson will come out of retirement to collide with YouTube star Jake Paul in a controversial showdown on November 15.
Following his ulcer flare-up – which delayed their originally scheduled date in June – ‘Iron Mike’ claims to be back to full health despite several concerns over his wellbeing still being expressed.
Nevertheless, the 58-year-old will return to a professional boxing ring for the first time since 2005, back when he was emphatically stopped in the sixth round by Kevin McBride.
And so, given the fact that he is taking on a boxing novice in Jake Paul, several combat sports aficionados have suggested that Mike Tyson is, in some ways, damaging his legacy.
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Victor Conte raises concerns about drug testing for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
Tyson famously became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, dispatching Trevor Berbick for the WBC trinket at the age of 20.
But now, 38 years removed from that historic moment, the American is no longer the formidable puncher who once inspired fear among his fiercest rivals.
Regardless of his diminishing mystique, though, Tyson will nonetheless lock horns with Paul at the AT&T Stadium, Texas, live on Netflix.
A concerning lack of transparency regarding the drug testing for their clash, however, has been highlighted by Victor Conte.
Conte is perhaps best known for developing a banned substance, known as “The Clear,” in a bid to artificially enhance the performance of athletes such as Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery.
Now, the controversial figure assists the likes of Devin Haney with their strength and conditioning, but nevertheless still possesses expert knowledge on drug testing in sport.
And so, Conte has taken to social media to express his concern, suggesting that Tyson may have been given a TUE – Therapeutic Use Exemption – to alleviate his health issues.
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Mike Tyson clowns Jake Paul with taunting jibe ahead of their controversial showdown
The lack of clarity surrounding the testing for Tyson and Paul is, in a sense, reflective of the fact that it is no ordinary professional boxing bout.
After all, the contest will be scheduled for two-minute rounds as opposed to three-minute rounds, with both combatants wearing 14 ounce gloves instead of 10 ounce gloves.
And yet, Tyson seemingly remains laser focused on his upcoming assignment, sending a stern message to his opponent.
“Jake believes his own lies sometimes,” Tyson told talkSPORT. “I guess, when you’re in a big fight, you have to become delusional and believe you’re somebody that you’re actually not.”
“But he’s in a lot of trouble, I believe.”