One of the hottest topics leading to Mike Tyson making his comeback at 58 was the possibility that boxing legend could knock out Jake Paul.
WBN pondered the issue several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson's abilities at such a late age. One of the most fascinating insights leading up to it was the perspective of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.
On his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson's social media videos and offered an informed opinion on what those clips meant.
“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]Cormier said. “And I agree, if he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there's something more in it.
“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I watched as Jake Paul was put under so much pressure that he felt uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But then Jake has a reserve pool to go to and draw from because he's 28 years old. Then he comes back and finally takes out Mike Perry.
“Early in the fight, Mike Perry gets hit and dropped. He looks unmanned and outgunned. That's my concern because what if this looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man, with Mike not being able to draw on that reserve tank to stay and compete with this young kid? I think it’s a loss for Jake Paul because when you beat up Mike Tyson, everyone loves Mike Tyson.”
He added: “But what if Mike knocks him out? Then it's over. Everything is done. It would be a . If he retires, there will never have been anything like this in the history of the sport.”
Unfortunately, this setback failed spectacularly for Tyson, as the former heavyweight champion's return was the only event that led to it . Twenty years after having nothing left in the tank, Tyson had nothing left and no desire to box.
Paul used this to launch a money-making scheme that will forever be a success for him and his company, but is frowned upon by the staunch boxing community.
Cormier's words resonate, especially after what unfolded in the ring as Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, as a warning to former fighters considering a comeback in their fifties.
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Read all of Phil Jay's articles and exclusive interviews. Find out more about the authorexperienced boxing writer and editor of World boxing News since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
