Mike Tyson, once hailed as the undisputed heavyweight champion and widely regarded as the most fearsome boxer of his era, has lately stirred up a storm of concern as he gears up for a return to the ring at the age of 57.

Despite spending the past 19 years carving out a niche in Hollywood with roles in blockbuster films like The Hangover series and the animated show Mike Tyson Mysteries, Tyson’s decision to step back into the boxing arena has left many questioning the wisdom of his choice.

Scheduled to face off against YouTube sensation Jake Paul on July 20, Tyson’s upcoming bout is not merely an exhibition match but a fully sanctioned professional fight, authorized by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

In contrast to Tyson’s storied career, Paul, at the age of 27, boasts a relatively modest record of 9 wins and 1 loss, with six of those victories coming by knockout. His sole defeat came in a closely contested split decision against Tommy Fury, the younger brother of reigning heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Despite Paul’s lack of experience against top-tier opponents, and Tyson’s impressive record of 50 wins and 6 losses, with 44 of those victories coming by knockout, concerns have been voiced by Tyson’s peers within the boxing community.

Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is among those expressing apprehension about Tyson’s decision to return to the ring.

“I don’t want the last image of him to be getting knocked out by a YouTuber,” remarked Wilder. “Your final moments in the ring define your legacy.”

Wilder further emphasized the potential risks involved, stating, “It’s concerning that Tyson has been granted a license to fight after being inactive for two decades. The commission shouldn’t overlook the dangers simply because of his reputation. We’ve seen too many tragedies in this sport.”

Indeed, Tyson’s age and prolonged absence from professional boxing have fueled doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level. Despite showcasing glimpses of his formidable power and skills in recent workout videos, questions remain about his conditioning and stamina.

“Tyson’s power may still be there, but boxing is about more than just raw strength,” observed Wilder. “You need to be sharp, both physically and mentally, to compete at this level. Otherwise, it risks becoming a spectacle rather than a legitimate contest.”

In response to the mounting concerns, Paul has expressed a mix of respect and determination, acknowledging Tyson’s legendary status while affirming his own readiness for the challenge.

“I have immense respect for Tyson, but once we step into that ring, it’s all business,” stated Paul. “In the end, only one of us can emerge victorious.”

However, amidst the anticipation and speculation surrounding the upcoming bout, one cannot ignore Tyson’s own words, immortalized by his famous statement: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

As the date of the fight draws near, the boxing world watches with bated breath, uncertain of what the future holds for the once-dominant heavyweight champion.