The match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been given professional status. Now, there are concerns that Tyson could be seriously injured, or even die. “What if it happens,” says combat sports commentator Joe Rogan.
The big boxing event of the summer is approaching. On July 20th, the legendary Mike Tyson, aged 57, will face 27-year-old YouTuber Jake Paul in a fight that will be streamed on Netflix.
The fight was announced just under two months ago, and it has now been confirmed that it will be given professional status.
This means that the outcome will be included in both fighters’ professional boxing records, but the match will be shorter than most professional bouts. Tyson and Paul will box in eight two-minute rounds.
Concerns for both
With the decision to classify the match as a professional bout, where the boxers do not wear headgear, there have been heightened concerns for the health of both participants.
This includes concerns for Paul, who will face a much more experienced boxer known for powerful hits. And for Tyson, who will face a much younger elite athlete in good physical condition.
Stephen Hughes, a lecturer at Ruskin University, has warned of the “devastating” injuries that blows to the head can cause. In an article for The Conversation, Hughes writes that veins inside Tyson’s brain could be torn due to his age.
“The power isn’t gone”
Joe Rogan is also worried. The well-known podcaster and combat sports commentator fears for Tyson’s death and had hoped the match would not be classified as a professional bout.
“The thing is, if Tyson dies… what if it happens,” says Rogan on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast.
Despite his concerns, he believes in Tyson’s ability in the match.
“Because the power isn’t gone. You can see it when he hits the bag,” says Rogan.
