Original source (on modern site)
JB Actualizado
02/05/2024
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11:44
CDT Fresh concerns have been raised about the upcoming professional fight between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The bout, sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations will take place on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas -- but one promoter believes Iron Mike will be in danger once he steps into the ring. It is no secret that a significant age gap exists between 57-year-old Tyson and 27-year-old Paul -- the largest such gap in the history of organized professional boxing. Tyson last competed professionally in 2005, and the sport has changed immensely since then -- prompting talk that he might not know just what he's in for this summer. Tyson will have celebrated his 58th birthday by the time his fight with Paul rolls around, and promoter Ben Shalom thinks that the fight will "make a mockery of the sport" if it proceeds as planned. "Having a 58-year-old in a professional boxing fight is clearly not professional and that's where the line has to be drawn for these fights," he told talkSPORT. "It's ok for entertainment but for me, it's a major step too far (to make the bout professiona), it is a circus act, you couldn't get anything more ridiculous." Shalom is far from the only concerned observer. Tyson is said to be at risk for a brain bleed if Paul connects with his head. Tyson could also develop heart conditions as a byproduct of a drastic change to his training regimen, and these would create serious health problems for "The Baddest Man on the Planet." Beyond the health concerns, some believe that fighting Paul is a stain on Tyson's legendary career and his reputation in the ring -- especially after a 19-year pause in between fights. "I feel like it is just dangerous, and the idea of a YouTube boxer beating Mike Tyson is not a nice feeling for me," British boxer Richard Riakporhe told talkSPORT. "He could have that on his record and it is not nice as a boxing fan because we see Mike Tyson as a legend."Promoter says Tyson vs. Paul is a "circus act"