The upcoming fight between Jake Paul and boxing legend Mike Tyson is sparking serious concerns, with some warning it could have dramatic consequences for the sport.
The highly anticipated bout is set for November 15 in Arlington, Texas, after the original fight was postponed due to a medical emergency involving Tyson.
As the rematch draws near, questions about Tyson's health and the potential dangers of the fight have intensified, prompting warnings from former boxing champions.
Paulie Malignaggi, a former world champion, has voiced his fears about the fight, suggesting that if Jake Paul seriously harms Tyson, it could lead to public outcry and even calls to ban boxing.
"Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike's age aren't good," Malignaggi told Canada Casino.
"When you're older, your body isn't made for that kind of damage anymore. If something goes wrong, people might start calling for the sport to be banned."
Tyson, now 58, has raised concerns about his own health ahead of the fight, admitting that he finds it "hard to walk" after training.
Despite these worries, he remains committed to the bout and will undergo a medical assessment to determine if he's fit to compete.
However, many are questioning the wisdom of allowing a fighter of Tyson's age to step into the ring with a much younger, stronger opponent like Paul.
Malignaggi emphasized the risks, pointing out that while Paul may not be a world-class boxer, he has been training seriously for five years.
"Jake Paul might not be world-class, but he's certainly not a novice. Hitting someone Tyson's age has serious risks. Tyson wasn't taking punches well at 36, let alone now," Malignaggi added.
Impact of a Jake Paul win
UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock also expressed concerns, warning that a Paul victory could leave a lasting stain on the sport.
Shamrock said that if Paul defeats Tyson, it would be like "the death of somebody" for the world of boxing, especially given Tyson's revered status as a legend in the sport.
The fight is set to be a major event, but it has also raised significant questions about the safety of aging fighters and the future of boxing itself.
Should Tyson suffer serious injury, it could prompt a wider discussion about the sport's responsibility in protecting its athletes and whether such matchups should even take place.
