BOXING
Mike Tyson hints at full comeback following Jake Paul bout
Legendary Iron Mike Tyson is discussing his next move following Jake Paul and says that a full comeback, including a shot at the title, is not off the table
Mike Tyson, at 58, is once again setting the boxing world abuzz, this time with his potential return to professional boxing. Scheduled to face off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Tyson’s first officially sanctioned fight since 2005 raises eyebrows and pulses. While Tyson re-entered the ring for a well-publicized exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, this bout marks a more serious step - a return that could see him officially add to his pro record of 50 wins, including 44 knockouts.
As for the upcoming match, Tyson and Paul’s encounter is more than just a clash of generations. It pits a seasoned, battle-hardened veteran against a 27-year-old with a mix of knockouts and decisions in his fledgling career. Paul, for his part, admits Tyson’s raw power and reputation add more than a tinge of fear, even if he has built his own surprising credibility in the ring. The fight, regulated by Texas state authorities, ensures it counts toward each fighter’s record, blending entertainment spectacle with genuine stakes.
But Tyson isn’t stopping at one bout. His comments about “taking it one person at a time” hint at deeper ambitions, with a potential full-time return not dismissed. He’s even open to facing names like Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury if the chance arises. “Nothing is excluded,” he says. This isn’t just bravado; it underscores Tyson’s enduring fighting spirit and the complex duality of a man once feared as the “baddest on the planet.” While his raw aggression once left opponents - and occasionally, society - reeling, today’s Tyson balances his unyielding competitive drive with a reflective, albeit blunt, demeanor.
To many, Tyson remains a mesmerizing figure. Fans and critics alike grapple with their desire to witness his primal power reignited in the ring and the sobering reality of age and health risks. Whatever happens, the question of whether this comeback could lead to more championship clashes remains an intoxicating possibility - and a heavy dose of nostalgia for anyone who has watched Tyson’s legend unfold.
I love Mike Tyson, I really do. He remains the greatest boxer of all time (yes, for the record, I said it). His legacy is unrivalled in the sport. In the ring, he was ferocious, he was vicious, he was feared. His battle with his personal demons and his road to redemption have been well publicised and he has become something that he never was as a fighter - beloved.
That is why this talk of a professional comeback, of a title fight against Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury must remain a fantasy. Please, Mike, from all of us who love you - don’t let this happen.