Mike Tyson injury in Jake Paul fight could see call 'for boxing to be banned'

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Jake Paul has received a stark warning that his upcoming bout with Mike Tyson could lead to calls for boxing to be banned if the YouTube star inflicts serious damage on the former heavyweight champion. The pair are set to square off in Arlington, Texas on 15 November, following the postponement of their original fight due to Tyson's medical emergency.

Concerns over Tyson's health persist, especially after the 58 year old admitted to finding it "hard to walk" post-training and is due to undergo a medical examination before facing Paul.

Ex-professional boxer Paulie Malignaggi has cautioned Paul, suggesting that any significant harm dealt to Tyson could provoke public outcry against the sport. He commented: "Head blows from young, strong guys at Mike's age aren't good. When you're younger, you can handle hits better.

"When you're older, your body isn't made for that kind of damage anymore. Things could go badly wrong. If something like that happened, people would be calling for the sport to be banned. Personally, I don't think his fight with Jake Paul should happen.

"He'll be 58 years old by then. Fifty-eight is still 58. We live in a generation that doesn't understand ageing is a real thing. You can show highlights of Mike from the '80s, but the guy stepping into the ring won't be that same Mike Tyson."

Malignaggi continued his warning, expressing serious concern that Paul could potentially harm Tyson due to his age. In a conversation with Canada Casino, he stated: "Jake Paul might not be world-class, but he's certainly not a novice. He's been boxing for about five years. After four years of boxing, I won the US National Championships, so Jake's far from a beginner," reports the Mirror. "He's strong and young. Hitting someone Tyson's age has serious risks. Tyson wasn't taking punches well at 36, let alone now. If you hit a guy who's that old, it affects them. Imagine what getting hit by a strong guy like Jake would do to him. I wouldn't want to find out."