Deontay Wilder Voices Concerns Over Mike Tyson's Return to the Ring
Former WBC world heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, has expressed his apprehension regarding the recent decision to grant Mike Tyson a professional boxing license for his upcoming fight against YouTuber Jake Paul.
Wilder, known as the "Bronze Bomber," has joined the chorus of critics who fear for the well-being of the 57-year-old heavyweight legend as he prepares to step back into the ring after a 20-year hiatus.
Tyson's return to professional boxing has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential risks involved in his bout against Jake Paul, a much younger and less experienced opponent.
The fight, scheduled to take place in Arlington, Texas on July 20, has been met with skepticism from both fighters and fans alike.
Wilder, who holds Tyson in high regard as one of his "legends," expressed his dismay at the decision to grant Tyson a license, citing concerns for the former heavyweight champ's health and legacy.
"I think it's bad the commission has licensed Mike Tyson because he hasn't been active in 20 years," Wilder stated in an interview with Sportsbook Review.
"So they should not just license him because of who he is, that's how people get hurt, god forbid he gets hurt."
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has sanctioned the event, which will see Tyson and Paul face off in an eight-round bout with 14oz gloves.
The involvement of streaming platform Netflix in broadcasting the fight has further fueled the debate surrounding the event, with many questioning the legitimacy of pitting a seasoned veteran against a relatively inexperienced opponent.
Wilder emphasized the potential dangers associated with Tyson's return to the ring, particularly due to his extended absence from professional boxing.
"People can get hit in the wrong place and at the wrong time," Wilder cautioned. "There's lots of examples where guys have been hit into a coma. It's easy to do. He's too old for this."
Despite acknowledging Tyson's enduring power, Wilder expressed doubts about his ability to sustain the pace against a much younger adversary.
"His power may not have left completely but you still need to set it up, your stamina needs to be a certain way, or it's going to look like a clown show," Wilder remarked. "I don't want to see it to be honest. I don't want to see one of my legends fight a YouTuber."
Wilder also raised concerns about the potential impact of a defeat on Tyson's legacy, expressing his reluctance to witness a tarnishing of the former heavyweight champion's reputation.
"If he goes in there and he knocks Mike out, that's going to tarnish the reputation of Mike," Wilder lamented. "I don't want the last thing I remember of him is him getting knocked out by a YouTuber."
The controversy surrounding Tyson's return to professional boxing has reignited discussions about the ethical considerations and risks associated with such high-profile bouts.
As the date of the much-anticipated fight approaches, the concerns voiced by Deontay Wilder and others serve as a reminder of the potential consequences and implications of allowing retired athletes to re-enter the ring.
In the midst of debates and criticisms, one thing remains certain – the upcoming bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has sparked a contentious dialogue within the boxing community and beyond.
Whether it will culminate in triumph or disappointment, the outcome of this clash between generations is poised to leave a lasting impression on the sport of boxing and its enduring legends.
