Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, is set to return to professional boxing at the age of 58, facing YouTuber Jake Paul on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This fight marks Tyson's first professional bout in nearly 20 years, following his last match in 2005 against Kevin McBride. The event was originally scheduled for July but was postponed due to Tyson's health issues, specifically an ulcer flare-up. Tyson has expressed confidence in his ability to win, stating he will knock out Paul regardless of the delay.
Concerns regarding Tyson's neurological health have been raised by medical professionals, particularly given the risks associated with boxing at an older age. Dr. Nitin K Sethi, a neurologist, highlighted that fighters over 40 are categorized as 'high risk' for severe traumatic brain injuries. Tyson's long history in the sport, which involves repeated head trauma, increases his susceptibility to chronic neurological conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The fight will be broadcast live on Netflix, starting at 2 AM French time, and is expected to attract significant attention due to Tyson's legacy and Paul's popularity as a social media influencer. The match will consist of eight rounds, each lasting two minutes, with both fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves.
