Mike Tyson participating in a lengthy media workout is under question following another short clip release of the former heavyweight champion in training.
Tyson answered questions about the event, which will see the New Yorker go opposite Jake Paul on November 15 in a professionally sanctioned contest. However, serious doubts remain over how Tyson will be able to compete against a 27-year-old active Y0uTuber.
So far, videos in the public domain last only a few seconds, and several high-profile combat stars have asked why Tyson won’t put out more extended footage. A ten-second burst seems to be the cut-off point for Tyson ahead of the battle in two months.
Before any huge boxing event, especially one that could break the indoor boxing record for a stadium show, a workout occurs to give the media a chance to gauge both fighters. World Boxing News understands this situation remains under review until fight week. It’s not one hundred percent confirmed that Tyson will be allowed to perform in front of the waiting press, indeed not performing a significant boxing routine for any serious length of time.
Comments to Tyson’s latest video continue to call for more footage, with some even stating that the youngest-ever top-division ruler would jeopardize the event if he goes through with an expected workout.
One said, “They won’t show footage of Mike longer than a few seconds because they know it could cancel the fight.”
Another stated, “It’s a shame the comeback is about money and not Mike proving he can still compete.”
At 58, Tyson’s movement will undoubtedly be limited, and his footwork will have decreased with his advancing years. Therefore, many of those who have called for longer evidence of Tyson working out – including WBN, are simply doing so for safety reasons.
There are only a few historical instances of boxers competing at that age, but there are zero cases of nearly sixty-year-olds fighting a 27-year-old professionally. The last event that came close was Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort, and we all know how that went [over in 109 seconds].
WBN has contacted the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation several times since the headliner was confirmed and later postponed due to health concerns over Tyson. WBN didn’t like what came back from Head of Communications Tela Mange.
The most concerning fact is that Mike Tyson hasn’t been assessed since a stomach ulcer. The TDLR informed WBN that the license given remains valid from May 2024, before a paramedic episode on an airplane. Another startling piece of information provided by Mange states that the TDLR had no intention of testing Tyson until a medical the day before the fight.
Hopefully, WBN bringing this to light will alter that plan as Tyson continues to dodge any significant evidence that he’ll be able to cut it against a younger, fresher fighter who can punch.
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.
