While he’s now decades past his fistic prime, Mike Tyson is still someone who strikes fear into the hearts of others. And the former undisputed heavyweight champion has had something dormant inside him that he’s refused to let out.
On November 15, an exception might be made when he faces YouTuber Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in his first pro fight since 2005. Just how dangerous will that be for Jake Paul?
Tyson (50-6) knocked out 44 opponents in a career that began back in 1985. “Iron” Mike finished opponents with ease, intimidating them the moment he entered the ring. Even when he was no longer in his prime, he had an unmatched aura.
Over the years, Tyson has improved his mental and physical health. The emotional and volatile ex-champ was able to speak about the part of his life that brought fear to the world in 2020.
MORE: A cow predicts outcome of Paul vs. Tyson fight
“I know the art of fighting, I know the art of war. That’s all I’ve ever studied. That’s why I’m so feared, that’s why they feared me when I was in the ring. I was an annihilator, that’s all I was born for,” Tyson said on his Hotboxin’ podcast via TMZ. “Now those days are gone. It’s empty, I’m nothing.
“I’m working on being the art of humbleness. That’s the reason I’m crying, ’cause I’m not that person no more, and I miss him. And it’s not funny at all. It’s not cool, like I’m a tough guy. It’s just that I hate that guy, I’m scared of him.”
Tyson returned to the ring in 2020 to face Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition that ended in a draw. The money-spinning event opened the door to fight Paul, who has competed in the ring mainly against MMA fighters.
In the movie Rocky Balboa, a much older, past his prime Rocky talks about having a beast inside, stuck in the basement. It means many things, from emotions and his past to the demons he has battled. Ultimately, he returns to the ring and lets loose against fictional heavyweight champ Mason Dixon, defying expectations and telling brother-in-law Paulie that the beast is gone.
Tyson, who has battled his own demons post-career, recently talked about the demon that resides inside him. He said “he” was “dead” but was always cautious to bring “him” back in any form. Now, “he” may be on the verge of being let loose.
MORE: Who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world?
“I’m always careful when that guy comes out,” Tyson said via WGTC. “Every time I drink or get ready to fight and Iron Mike returns, I break out in handcuffs. Unfortunately, I have to fight and be that guy. I wish I could stop that guy. That guy haunts me. I wish I could stop that guy. I wish that guy died, but he’s here again.”
A Paul-Tyson fight was booked for July but was moved after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up. There was a great cause for concern about Tyson’s health, but he passed all tests and will continue.
Like Balboa, Tyson has been out of the sport for far too long. Returning has resulted in scoffs. However, some are interested in watching, as one punch may knock Paul out. Today’s generation of fight fans look for the next thing trending and having the fight on Netflix without a PPV price also helps.
Age is just a number, and Tyson is ready to prove that.
Tyson doesn’t want to do it, but the safe has been opened. His other persona patiently waited to come out, and Paul was the one who released “him.” Will “The Problem Child” regret that decision?
Read the full article here