Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson once revealed he was so tired from a 30-second punching session four years ago that he was in bed for a week.
The 58-year-old is scheduled to make his sensational return to the ring on Friday, November 15, with the fight against Jake Paul taking place in front of up to 80,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Tyson has not fought a professional contest since losing to former Irish boxer Kevin McBride back in 2005. He did, however, take on fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout four years ago.
Tyson – who is regarded as one of the best heavyweights of all time – hasn’t won a professional outing since brutally knocking out Clifford Etienne in one round back in 2003. ‘Iron Mike’ was supposed to fight the YouTuber-turned-boxer back in July, but was forced to postpone the bout until November when he suffered a medical emergency on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
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Soon after Tyson’s showdown with Paul was confirmed, the social media star revealed that footage of ‘Iron Mike’ punching the pads four years ago proves that he’s still dangerous in the ring. That said, since then, footage has re-emerged of the 58-year-old telling UFC commentator Joe Rogan just how much that 30-second session took out of him.
Speaking to Tyson, podcast host Rogan said: “When I was watching you hit the pads, I was thinking, ‘This isn’t just working out’. There was something going on man. When you were working out with [trainer Rafael] Cordero and you were ripping into the body and throwing those hooks, I was like, ‘This is a man who is preparing to go to combat. That’s why, when I saw the video, I was like…”
Tyson jumps in to say: “You want me to tell you something about that video? I did that video and I was in bed for a week. That was 30 seconds and I was in bed for a week. And it’s not funny, because it made me realise this is big boy s***.” The footage came after Paul took to social media to claim a member of his team had shown him the video and asked if he was sure he wanted to face the former world champion.
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MVP Uncut/YouTube)
‘The Problem Child’ wrote, alongside the video: “He’s the greatest heavyweight of all time…the most vicious KO artist ever. But I’m younger, I’m faster and I’m going to be working my ass off to get stronger. A member of my team sent me this video that Mike’s coach put up two weeks ago and asked me if I’m sure that I want to do this…yes, yes I do. Heavyweight.”
Since the fight was rebooked, many have been left fearing for Tyson’s health. The boxing veteran recently admitted he can barely walk as he prepares for his fight with Paul. “It’s hard to walk right now,” he said while attending a Cage Wars event.
“But two months from now I’m going to be perfect. The fight is won in the gym. Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me. I’m going to enjoy my time here tonight with all my childhood friends, and the hell with Jake Paul.” While those comments will concern several fans, Tyson is adamant that he will be fit and ready to make the walk to the ring on Friday night.
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