Mike Tyson‘s age has become a significant concern as he prepares to face Jake Paul in a highly controversial boxing match. Despite the 31-year age gap, Tyson remains confident in his abilities, while Paul has amassed a respectable 10-1 record. Former MMA star Tommy Hardy, speaking to the audience, believes Tyson isn’t the fighter he once was.
Hardy’s Concerns of The Injury
Hardy has expressed concerns about Tyson’s current fighting form. Although impressed by Tyson’s social media clips, Hardy believes his age is starting to show. He references Tyson’s 2020 fight with Roy Jones Jr. as evidence of the decline. “I’m still not mad about it to be honest,” he said. “I’m a big Mike Tyson fan as many combat sports people are. You know, time always catches up with us and Mike Tyson isn’t the fighter he was even a couple of years ago. Even when he fought Roy Jones Jr [in 2020]. I thought he looked good, but in the last couple of years, I feel like his age has really started to show through.”
Hardy emphasizes the potential risks involved in Tyson facing a much younger and physically stronger opponent like Paul. He fears that a knockout defeat could have negative consequences for Tyson’s reputation. He continued: “Like, he’s still a dangerous man in his own mind and you would want to upset the guy, that’s for sure. In a boxing contest where you’re in with someone who is in their 20s, over 200lbs and spending all day every day working on his boxing… What none of us want to see is Mike Tyson go crashing to the canvas and Jake Paul celebrating.”
Cancellation Possibilities
Given Tyson’s recent health issues, Hardy speculates that the fight might be canceled. The ulcer flare-up earlier this year forced a postponement, and Hardy believes Paul may eventually realize that fighting a 58-year-old could harm his brand. Hardy argues that while Paul has gained popularity as a combat sports phenomenon, defeating Tyson would not be a positive move for his career. The age disparity and potential risks involved make the matchup a controversial and uncertain one.
“As much as I’m enjoying Jake Paul as a phenomenon in combat sports, I feel like beating up Mike Tyson would not do great things for his brand,” he continued. Until anything is announced, however, the showdown will go ahead as normal.
