Mike Tyson's upcoming fight with Jake Paul has raised eyebrows in the boxing world. The 58-year-old former heavyweight champion will face the 27-year-old Paul on November 15 in an eight-round bout.
The fight has drawn heavy criticism from boxing experts. One vocal opponent is former world champion Paulie Malignaggi, who shared his concerns in an interview with Canada Casino.
"Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike's age aren't good. When you're younger, you can handle hits better. When you're older, your body isn't made for that kind of damage anymore. Things could go badly wrong. If something like that happened, people would be calling for the sport to be banned."
Malignaggi believes the fight shouldn't happen. He points to Tyson's age as a major concern, saying that in the past, the idea of legends fighting so late in life was unthinkable. He compared it to Joe Frazier fighting in his 60s during the 1980s.
The former champ also noted that while Jake Paul isn't a world-class boxer, he's not a complete novice either. Paul has been boxing for about five years and has had 11 professional fights, albeit against largely inexperienced opponents.
"Hitting someone Tyson's age has serious risks. Tyson wasn't taking punches well at 36, let alone now. If you hit a guy who's that old, it affects them. Imagine what getting hit by a strong guy like Jake would do to him. I wouldn't want to find out."
Tyson hasn't fought professionally since 2005, raising questions about his ability to withstand punches from a younger, stronger opponent. Paul, on the other hand, remains active in the sport and is known for his dedication in the gym.
The fight was originally set for an earlier date but got pushed back due to a medical issue Tyson experienced. This delay has only added to the concerns surrounding the event.
Malignaggi's comments reflect a broader worry in the boxing community about the dangers of these types of matchups. Many see it as a spectacle based on nostalgia rather than a legitimate sporting contest, with potential serious health risks for the older fighter.
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As the fight date approaches, the debate around its safety and legitimacy will likely continue. Whether you're a fan of boxing or not, it's clear that this matchup between Tyson and Paul has sparked a serious conversation about age, safety, and the future of the sport.