Heavyweight boxing legend Deontay Wilder has expressed grave concerns over Mike Tyson’s upcoming fight against Jake Paul, fearing that the 57-year-old boxing icon could end up in a coma. Wilder believes that the Texas commission should not have licensed Tyson, who hasn’t fought professionally in over 20 years, due to the inherent risks involved.
Deontay Wilder has raised concerns over Mike Tyson’s upcoming fight against Jake Paul, expressing fears that the boxing legend could suffer serious harm. Wilder, a former heavyweight titleholder, believes that Tyson shouldn’t have been licensed for the fight due to his age and inactivity.
Tyson, 57, will face YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul on July 20th in a highly anticipated bout. The fight, initially billed as an exhibition match, has been sanctioned as a professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. This means the rounds will be shorter and the gloves heavier, increasing the potential for injury.
Wilder expressed his skepticism about Tyson’s ability to withstand the rigors of a professional boxing match. “I think it’s bad the commission has licensed Mike Tyson because he hasn’t been active in 20 years, so they should not just license him because of who he is, that’s how people get hurt – God forbid he gets hurt,” Wilder said to Sportsbook Review.
The “Bronze Bomber” pointed out the potential consequences of a fight at Tyson’s age. “People can get hit in the wrong place and at the wrong time, there’s lots of examples where guys have been hit into a coma. It’s easy to do. He’s too old for this.”
Wilder emphasized that Tyson’s well-being should be prioritized over the entertainment value of the fight. “At the end of the day, no one gives a f about Mike,” he said bluntly.
Despite Tyson undergoing tests to deem him fit for a professional fight, Wilder remains unconvinced. “As long as you’re willing to suffer the consequences if something bad goes wrong,” he said.
The former heavyweight champion also expressed disappointment at the prospect of Tyson’s legacy being tarnished by a potential loss to Paul. “I don’t want to see it to be honest,” he explained. “I don’t want the last thing I remember of him is him getting knocked out by a YouTuber. The last thing you do, that’s what people remember you by.”
While Paul and Tyson prepare for their fight, Wilder will be focused on his own upcoming bout against Zhilei Zhang on June 1st. The American boxer remains one of the most feared heavyweights in the world and will be looking to make a statement before a potential showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
Despite his concerns for Tyson, Wilder has acknowledged the YouTube star’s rapid rise in the boxing world. “He’s not a regular YouTuber, he’s not a regular social media guy, he’s got skills,” he said. “He’s serious about it, he’s got power, and he’s got speed. You can’t take that away from him.”
However, Wilder believes that experience and power will ultimately prevail in the Paul-Tyson fight. “I think Mike Tyson may get knocked out by Jake Paul,” he predicted. “He’s too old, he’s too slow, he’s too predictable, and he’s not as strong as he used to be.”
While Wilder’s prediction may be controversial, his concerns over Tyson’s safety are valid. The upcoming fight has the potential to be a spectacle, but it is crucial that the health and well-being of both fighters are prioritized throughout the event.
