Published7. March 2024, 7:58 p.m.
Boxing: Mike Tyson will return to the ring
The former world heavyweight champion will face YouTuber Jake Paul in an exhibition match on July 20.
The 57-year-old American is once again coming out of retirement.
IMAGO/Independent Photo Agency Int.
Former heavyweight king Mike Tyson, aged 57, will return to the ring on July 20 for an exhibition fight against American YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul, which will be broadcast on Netflix, organizers announced Thursday. Tyson and Paul will face each other at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Texas), home of the Dallas Cowboys American football team (NFL).
In a statement, Tyson said he was looking forward to fighting an opponent 30 years his junior. (editor’s note: Jake Paul is 27 years old, editor’s note), adding that he was impressed by Paul’s performance in the ring. “He has progressed considerably over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the drive and ambition of a kid can do against the experience and skills of a GOAT (editor’s note: greatest of all time, greatest of all time)», écrit Mike Tyson.
Last fight in 2020
The former champion had not fought since a previous eight-round exhibition bout against former middleweight Roy Jones Jr. in Los Angeles in November 2020 which ended in a draw. This next fight will be the latest in what has become a trend in the United States: pitting internet celebrities against each other or against recognized boxers, who have retired or are well beyond their age.
Like Mayweather
Thus Logan Paul, brother of Jake, had fought against another boxing legend, Floyd Mayweather, in 2021. Jake Paul has, however, acquired a certain recognition in the ring with a record of 9 victories (including 6 KOs) for a defeat. Mike Tyson is considered one of the greatest heavyweights in history, having reigned supreme over the category between 1987 and 1990. At the age of 20 years, 4 months and 22 days he became the youngest world champion in the history of the premier category.
(AFP)