Mike Tyson is widely renowned for his tough-guy persona as a highly-skilled boxing legend. Thus when Netflix announced a boxing match of Mike Tyson with 27-year-old YouTuber Jake Paul, boxing fans became overwhelmed. However, Mike Tyson’s long-standing physical problem might force him to step back from the fight.
Once a perfect figure of fitness, Mike Tyson’s age means that certain physical limitations can mess it up this time. Previously, The Hangover star was diagnosed with sciatica, a major back problem.
His health condition may cast doubt on the fate of this boxing match with professional boxer Jake Paul.
Uncertainty Surrounds Mike Tyson’s Participation in Jake Paul Fight
The former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is all set to return to the boxing ring against Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The broadcasting organization Netflix has also confirmed the event. However, a serious concern may loom over the 57-year-old Tyson as his ability to fight can raise an unanswered question.
A few years ago, the boxing icon was diagnosed with sciatica, a back ailment. Sciatica brings major pain through the spine and down the leg of the patient. It typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. In an interview, Tyson once expressed difficulties due to his physical ailment. That suggests he might take a step back from the upcoming fight.
Mike Tyson told Newsmax (via Daily Mail),
“I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have.”
However, Tyson didn’t lose his mental strength despite his physical suffering. He expressed his complete gratitude for not having any other health problem except for Sciatica. Nevertheless, at times, his health condition left him in a situation where he was unable to even walk.
Previously, Tyson was also seen using assistive devices for walking, such as a wheelchair and a walking stick. If Mike Tyson withdraws himself from the boxing ring, it would undoubtedly devastate his fans the most.
Netflix Confirms Tyson vs. Paul Boxing Match
Netflix has not only confirmed the boxing match featured Mike Tyson and Jake Paul but also announced the streaming date of the event. It was previously announced that YouTuber-Boxer Jake Paul will be fighting legendary pugilist Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July, 20.
Mike Tyson has also expressed his enthusiasm to fight with an opponent who is 30 years junior to him. Tyson told ( via The Economic Times),
“He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.”
The match is scheduled to take place in front of an audience of 80,000 spectators, with potential earnings exceeding $100 million. While Tyson has a 50-6 record with 44 knockouts, Paul has only a 9-1 record with six knockouts. That in itself suggests a difficult bout for the YouTuber-turned boxer.
