Mike Tyson returns to action, with danger signs marking the long route to AT&T Stadium.
Tyson, 58, faced many odds, not least a heavyweight legend of his era who was deemed “unfit to fight” when she tried to return at the age of 53.
Four years after his last professional fight, former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion James Toney has been blocked by the Association of boxing Commissions from making a comeback in 2021.
Toney was five years younger than Tyson and far more active than “The Baddest Man” over the past two decades. Despite these facts and a stomach ulcer bleed, Tyson is penalized to fight YouTuber Jake Paul on Friday night.
The 1980s icon and once undisputed king was repeatedly warned by fans and media that his intentions to return were dangerous. So far, Tyson has run all of these red lights. The ABC's decision to veto Toney's fight should have caused the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to think long and hard about Tyson's plans.
“Lights Out” Toney has been the subject of many conversations about the damage boxing has done to him over the years. Most notable is the Michigan native's largely unrecognizable speech. That instant slap in the face when watching interviews with Toney in recent years would certainly have contributed to ABC's decision.
Somehow, MVP [promoters of the fight] must have assured the TDLR that Tyson will be fine when he fights Paul on November 15th.
As for ABC, they intervened when Toney signed up to meet Jeremy Williams three years ago. The fight was scheduled for shortly after Evander Holyfield's loss to Vitor Belfort in his return at 58. Tensions ran high among those who wanted to protect the future of our boxing legends. According to ABC's “High-Risk Fighter Review,” Toney was deemed unfit to box.
The situation between Belfort and Holyfield is believed to have had an impact on the pressure behind the decision.
The man trying to get Toney back to work, Todd Lewis, a Blue Moon promoter, spoke exclusively to World boxing News at the time of the blockage. Lewis said the real issue was the need to financially help boxers who were retiring without large sums of money.
“Blue Moon is officially canceling this battle. However, we hope this cancellation brings more attention to the larger issue,” Lewis told WBN. “Blue Moon is delighted to hear that the Association of boxing Commission and the Medical Advisory Board are initiating a 'High-Risk Fighter Review'. '
“Their actions draw attention to the larger issue. boxing is the only professional sport criticized for not having a union or pension for its former fighters. This nonprofit organization provides income to these struggling ex-fighters after their careers are over.
“We look forward to working with sanctioning authorities to further promote the great nonprofit organization,” he added.
It is known that Tyson no longer has this problem. However, he managed to do this once when he was declared bankrupt despite earning tens of millions of dollars in the first and second parts of his career. Aside from the money if something physical happens to Tyson against a 27 year old the effects will be felt worldwide.
Toney finally made it back into the ring in 2023, but only in an exhibition capacity. There was strong opposition to the fight after Toney and Razor Ruddock faced off after the weigh-in.
The ex-champ and his opponent were significantly overweight. After the bell rang, they were visibly slow as they attempted to exchange blows at a charity event in Jamaica.
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Read all of Phil Jay's articles and exclusive interviews. Find out more about the author experienced boxing writer and editor of World Boxing News since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
