Mike Tyson issued ‘high risk’ warning as controversial Jake Paul fight continues to draw critics
Mike Tyson is at a ‘high risk’ of getting cut against Jake Paul, according to a veteran cutwoman.
The boxing legend announced last year that he was ready to come out of retirement at the age of 58 to step back into the ring and face YouTuber Paul.
The bout was originally set to take place on July 20, but was postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up on a plane.
The fight drew plenty of criticism due to the huge age difference of the two fighters with Tyson turning 58 years old in June.
Despite the backlash, the fight was rescheduled for November 15 with the pair coming face-to-face at their New York press conference earlier this month.
Tyson was in confident mood throughout the press conference and even shoved his upcoming opponent in a heated moment between the pair.
But there remain serious concerns for Tyson’s health in what will be his first officially sanctioned fight in 19 years.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations officially sanctioned the fight earlier this year, meaning the result will go on both fighters’ records.
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They’ve also mandated the use of 14-ounce gloves, compared to the standard issue 10-ounce gloves in a move to try and protect both fighters.
The safety measure won’t stop Tyson’s ‘high risk’ of getting cut though, according to veteran cutwoman Sammy Morris.
“As we age the epidermis thins, also the production of elastin and collagen is dramatically reduced meaning the facial bones have less protection around them and are more protruding so they are easier to open up from a punch,” Morris told talkSPORT.
“The healing process will also be substantially longer too… At 58, Tyson is at a high risk of getting cut.”
Tyson has never suffered a cut during a fight bad enough to lead to a doctor’s stoppage, but he was 39 years old the last time he fought professionally.
Carl Froch is still unconvinced by the fight between Tyson and Paul, insisting it is nothing more than a ‘clown’ show.
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“Mike Tyson I think he is just playing his role,” Froch said.
“In my opinion, Mike Tyson has probably got the script. Because when I saw that press conference there was a half-hearted shove.
“Jake Paul stood there stern-looking and didn’t even say anything so to me it all just look contrived and fake.
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“It’s not even pantomime, it is worse than pantomime because for me as an ex-pro boxer it is just not enjoyable to watch.
“We want to see Jake Paul get flattened, that is the appeal. Can Mike Tyson render Jake Paul unconscious? But, unfortunately, in the real world that will not happen.
“I just think it is a shame that Tyson is getting in the ring with this idiot Fake Paul [sic], it is just clown world.
“It shouldn’t be happening, I don’t like it, but I hope Tyson can go in there and not get hurt and make a few quid.”