believes he is doing better today than he was 20 years ago.
Tyson, a former undisputed world heavyweight champion, retired from professional boxing at the age of 38 after losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. After a long break from the sport, Tyson returned to an exhibition fight against him Jr. in 2020 and will now make his return to professional action this weekend when he competes in an eight-round fight this Friday.
Now 58-year-old Tyson's fight with Paul has drawn some criticism from fans who fear the old champion could be fighting a man 30 years his junior, but 'Iron Mike' claims he is in a better position now than before his retirement.
“I was a different person back then,” Tyson said about his message to the fans. “I used drugs and alcohol at the time. I'm not that person anymore. I see a better picture of myself now. I see light. I see the world from a different perspective now.”
Tyson's personal and professional career was filled with controversy, including a rape conviction in 1992 that resulted in two years in prison. More recently, in 2006, Tyson was arrested for driving under the influence and admitted to drug use and addiction. He was admitted to rehab in 2007.
But even though he is now clean and has repeatedly assured that he is ready to fight Paul, many are still worried about the dangers of this fight, especially since the fight was postponed from its original date in the summer after Tyson suffered an in-flight injury suffered a medical emergency. But Tyson insists he is more than ready for this clash because of all his training.
“Great. I feel great,” Tyson said. “… I've got the round in me. Listen, I fight young people, 30s, 20s, I fight young people and they beat me real hard. Than I When I started training, it wasn't a walk in the park. I fight with younger guys and they really get in my way at the beginning… I do my part 1731444306.”
Regardless of the wisdom of the fight, it seems anything could happen this Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, broadcast live on Netflix, in what could be the biggest combat sports event of the year. And depending on how things go, this may not be a one-off return for Tyson.
“The sky’s the limit,” Tyson said. “We'll see. I’m interested in doing it again.”
