Mike Tyson will reportedly have to pass two last-minute tests in order for his planned fight against Jake Paul to go ahead on Friday night.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk fought in the first undisputed heavyweight bout of the century this year while Anthony Joshua saw his title hopes dashed in a stunning loss to Daniel Dubois.
There have been some epic fights in 2024 so far, but none have grabbed the attention of sports fans quite like Tyson and Paul.
Many feel the fight shouldn’t go ahead with Tyson 31 years older than Paul.
Mike Tyson turned 58 years old in the summer
Reuters
If sanctioned as a professional fight, it will be the largest age gap between fighters in boxing history.
There are serious concerns being raised over the implications Tyson could face if something goes wrong in the ring.
He was forced to pull out of the original fight this summer due to an ulcer flare-up, further adding to concerns.
The 58-year-old has hit back at concerns of his health, insisting he’s in great condition ahead of Friday’s fight.
However, the fight remains at risk of being unceremoniously cancelled if Tyson fails to pass two tests this week.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation were always going to be conducting a full investigation into Tyson’s health issues on the eve of the fight.
And Boxing Kingdom have now revealed the two tests that the former undisputed heavyweight world champion will have to pass.
The legendary boxer will have to pass a brain test (EEG) and a heart test (EKG), something Tyson agreed to months ago.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will fight on November 15GETTY
Tyson’s scheduled fight against Paul is set to be his first professional bout since 2005.
The fight on Friday will be held over eight two-minute rounds with the boxers wearing 14ox gloves.
Doctors have warned about the risks Tyson will be taking by stepping back into the ring with Senior Lecturer in Medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, Stephen Hughes, warning it could prove fatal.
He said back in March: “As he is an older man and recovering alcoholic, ‘Iron Mike’ is at risk of suffering a subdural haematoma, which is the tearing of veins in the brain.
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Mike Tyson will fight professionally for the first time since 2005Getty
“In older people, the brain tends to lose volume,” Hughes explained.
“This lengthens the bridging veins and makes them more vulnerable to rupture.
“Bleeding from these torn veins causes a collection of blood that presses on the brain. “This causes confusion, loss of consciousness, neurological disability and, in some cases, death.
“Alcoholism is known to accelerate brain shrinkage, and it appears that Tyson has this as a past risk factor.”