A faded version of the once formidable Mike Tyson will face YouTube star Jake Paul in a controversial professional boxing contest on November 15.
Ahead of their main-event attraction on Netflix’s first ever live boxing show, though, multiple concerns over the health of ‘Iron Mike’ have been expressed.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, for instance, has been heavily critical of the 58-year-old’s return, branding it as ‘disrespectful to the sport of boxing.’
Others, too, have questioned the impact that a clash with Jake Paul, a boxing novice, could have on Tyson’s decorated legacy.
Shannon Briggs dismisses potential dangers of Mike Tyson’s comeback
Mike Tyson was forced to postpone his dustup with Paul – originally scheduled for July – after suffering an ulcer flare-up which, in turn, sparked concerns over his physical health.
What is more, the former world heavyweight champion has not entered a professional boxing ring since his sixth-round stoppage defeat to Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago.
Paul, meanwhile, is arguably in his physical prime at the age of 27, albeit without the boxing credentials of his vastly more seasoned opponent.
Still, one would suspect that, while the pair will be colliding for two minutes, as opposed to three minutes, in each round, the wear and tear of Tyson over the years cannot bode well for him.
And yet, former world heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs believes that the American should not concern himself over the potentially catastrophic health risks of his upcoming assignment.
“Can you imagine being 58 years old and still being able to go out and make tens of millions of dollars? That’s unheard of,” Briggs told Bloody Knockout.
“[Tyson] ain’t gonna get hurt and, if he does, it’s okay for all that money [he’s making]. You can go to the hospital nowadays; we’ve got technology to fix you right up.”
- Read More [Shannon Briggs explains why Mike Tyson’s upbringing gives him an advantage over Jake Paul]
Jake Paul adjusts to new training team ahead of Mike Tyson fight
Briggs became heavily involved in Paul’s training set-up during his early professional bouts, before former world title challenger BJ Flores took control of the camp.
‘The Problem Child’ then amassed several victories over former UFC champions such as Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva before facing unproven boxer Tommy Fury.
Sure enough, the brother of Tyson Fury was able to claim a highly contentious split decision, causing Paul’s coaching team to abandon him.
The American, though, was able to maintain his relationship with former super middleweight contender J’Leon Love, who will be in his friend’s corner come fight night.