The upcoming bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has sparked massive controversy, with fans and experts alike raising concerns over Tyson's ability to compete. Among the critics is former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, who has publicly called on authorities to halt the fight due to Tyson's recent health issues.
Scheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the fight was already mired in controversy due to the 30-year age gap between the two boxers.
The match became even more hotly debated after Tyson suffered a serious health scare in May-just weeks before the originally scheduled fight. Tyson experienced a flare-up of a stomach ulcer during a flight, which forced him to withdraw temporarily and reschedule the match.
Despite the five-month delay, concerns about Tyson's health continue to dominate headlines. Sonnen, worried for the former champion's safety, has now called on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to revoke Tyson's license and cancel the fight.
"This fight shouldn't happen"
Sonnen expressed his concerns in a recent post in his Instagram account, saying he wasn't entirely sure what Tyson's medical issue was but emphasized that it was severe enough to cause the former champ to deplane and use a wheelchair.
He criticized the TDLR, stating, "There's no statement, no response, not even a second thought from the overseeing commission to reconsider this fight."
Sonnen also questioned Tyson's readiness for the fight. "Was Mike training after that? Did this give him five more months to prepare for Jake Paul?" he wondered, suggesting that the health scare might have hindered Tyson's preparation.
Tyson's health is no joke
Sonnen recalled that Tyson himself had mentioned struggling with mobility following the incident, but assured fans he'd be back to full strength in a couple of months. "Mike pulled out-was it a heart attack or a stroke? Something very serious. I can't recall exactly," Sonnen said, underlining his worry.
The former UFC fighter pointed out that Tyson, at his age, is facing the decline of his physical abilities, while Jake Paulis still in his prime, improving with every fight.
Although he did not have all the facts, as he did not remember that his former UFC colleague Mike Perry replaced Tyson in the fight against Paul, Sonnen questioned the eventual performance of the former champion. "I don't know how Mike would have done that against Paul."
With only two months left until the fight, one thing is certain: this controversy isn't going away anytime soon, and opinions on whether or not Tyson should fight will continue to flood social media as the date approaches.
