After years of bad publicity, Mike Tyson’s fight on November 15 could seriously affect the sport of boxing in the future.
That’s according to a former world champion who knows what it’s like to be on the wrong side of controversy. Paulie Malignaggi is sure Tyson facing Jake Paul at 58 with a 31-year age gap will give those calling for the art to be banned all the ammunition they need.
Boxing is already on the brink of losing the Olympics and has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons regarding Y chromosomes and the Imane Khelif factor. Still, the Italian-American is sure Tyson’s return will only stir the pot further.
“Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike’s age aren’t good. When you’re younger, you can handle hits better,” Malignaggi told Canada Casino in an interview. “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. Personally, I don’t think his fight with Jake Paul should happen. He’ll be 58 years old by then. Fifty-eight is still 58. We live in a generation that doesn’t understand aging is a real thing. You can show highlights of Mike from the ’80s, but the guy stepping into the ring won’t be that same Mike Tyson.”
‘The Magic Man’ echoed what World Boxing News has been saying for months now. The simple fact is that Tyson won’t be able to take punches from a younger, fresher, fitter opponent.
Evander Holyfield is the prime example after being knocked out in 109 seconds. The truth is, the punch resistance and movement over any severe length of time just isn’t there. Malignaggi agrees.
“Jake Paul might not be world-class, but he’s certainly not a novice. He’s been boxing for about five years. “After four years of boxing, I won the US National Championships, so Jake’s far from a beginner. He’s strong and young. 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 vs. Paul is a Netflix special heavyweight event on November 15 that is open to all streaming service subscribers. The fight’s outcome could make or break the sport aired on the platform.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
