Nearly four decades after debuting as a professional boxer, 58-year-old Mike Tyson is set to return to the ring this Friday in a Netflix-sponsored bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The event, taking place at AT&T Stadium in Texas, has stirred up a whirlwind of opinions across the boxing community. Many regard the matchup as both dangerous and exploitative, with prominent boxing figures voicing serious concerns about Tyson’s physical condition and age.
Tyson, a former heavyweight champion known for his dominance in the late 1980s, hasn’t fought professionally since 2005. His retirement came after a loss to Kevin McBride, following a period of declining performances and personal struggles. His upcoming fight with Paul consists of eight two-minute rounds—a format that’s been criticized as insufficient for protecting a man his age. The contest was initially scheduled for July but was delayed after Tyson suffered a medical emergency in May, a bleeding ulcer, which raised further alarms about his physical state.
Prominent British promoter Eddie Hearn is among the critics, arguing that Tyson’s return to boxing at 58 is irresponsible, stating, “If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you’re an idiot. It shouldn’t be happening.” Similarly, promoter Frank Warren compared the fight’s appeal to a “crash site on a motorway,” calling it a disturbing spectacle driven by morbid curiosity.
Despite the uproar, Tyson has dismissed the concerns, attributing the criticism to jealousy. “The people who said that wish they were up here,” he said earlier this year, insisting he’s in peak condition. At a public workout in Texas, he shared that his training camp had been demanding but left him feeling resilient, saying, “The fight is the party. All the hard work is done.”
Meanwhile, Jake Paul, 27, brings his unique background to the fight. He rose to fame through social media but began a serious boxing career in 2018, facing a mix of athletes from different sports. He’s managed an impressive record of 10 wins (seven by knockout) and just one loss. Confident and flashy, Paul taunted Tyson during a recent workout, wearing a rooster headdress and proclaiming, “It’s going to be a short night for Mike.”
Many in the boxing world are concerned about Tyson’s capability to deliver, questioning whether he retains any of the devastating power that made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history. Legendary promoter Bob Arum weighed in, dismissing the notion that a 58-year-old could perform effectively. “You can’t throw punches like you’re supposed to; you can’t do a lot of things. I hope Mike doesn’t get hurt, but I really give him relatively no chance.”
The event promises a massive audience both in person and globally via Netflix. The spectacle of a once-great champion facing a 27-year-old YouTube personality underscores the contrasts and curiosities of modern boxing, where skill and age collide with entertainment-driven spectacle. Fans will be watching intently—some out of excitement, others out of concern—wondering if Tyson can still summon the fury that once defined him, or if the comeback of one of boxing’s most famous names will end in disappointment.
