Boxing legend Mike Tyson has hit back at Deontay Wilder after he criticized his upcoming fight against Youtuber turned boxer Jake Paul. The 58-year-old is set to return to the boxing ring in November. But this move has sparked a concern widely within the boxing community over potential health risks.
Tyson addressed the criticism
In an interview with Esquire, Tyson addressed the criticism and Wilder’s comments that questioned his wisdom of fighting again after retiring. Tyson dismissed the concerns by saying, “You don’t have to worry about paying my bills.” He then became more vehement, challenging Wilder’s view and saying that everyone says it doesn’t make sense. “He’s not who I am. He can’t go to Mongolia and have somebody know who the f**k he is.”
Wilder, who lost by knockout to Zhilei Zhang in early June, had expressed his concern for Tyson’s well-being. In a statement, he wished the boxing legend the best but criticized the decision to sanction the fight. He thinks it is the commission that has licensed Mike Tyson because he hasn’t been active for 20 years. According to Wilder, Tyson is too old for this.
Despite all the criticism, “Iron Mike” remains confident ahead of his rescheduled fight on November 15. He has been sharing training footage showcasing his still-formidable punching power. His return was postponed due to a medical problem. The fight is still highly anticipated, with Tyson determined to prove his capabilities.
Deontay Wilder highlighted potential dangers
Wilder’s concerns highlight potential dangers. He stated that nobody cares about Mike and if they really did, they wouldn’t have sanctioned the fight. He pointed out that despite Tyson’s intact power, his stamina in fight preparation is crucial, warning that without them, the bout could turn into a clown show. Mike last fought in an exhibition contest against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. His performance and athleticism impressed the viewers. However, Jake Paul is a much younger opponent than Jones, although not on the same level of skill. The fight will air on Netflix in November.
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