Mike Tyson, 58, fresh health concerns raised just days before controversial Jake Paul fight
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Growing health concerns are casting a shadow over Mike Tyson's upcoming professional boxing match against Jake Paul, with Denzel Bentley worried whether the heavyweight icon will get through it unscathed.
The bout, scheduled for next Friday, has sparked debate within the boxing community about whether Tyson's body can withstand the demands of facing an opponent 31 years his junior.
British boxer Bentley has become the latest voice to express serious doubts about Tyson's physical readiness for the contest, questioning the boxing legend's ability to cope with the fight's intensity.
Tyson's return to the ring comes amid ongoing health challenges that have already impacted his comeback plans.
The boxing icon revealed two years ago that he suffers from sciatica, adding to concerns about his physical condition.
A previous attempt to stage the fight in July had to be postponed when Tyson experienced a flare-up of a stomach ulcer.
Despite these setbacks, the former undisputed champion has been participating in sparring sessions, with footage showing him sending a training partner through the ropes during one intense exchange.
Mike Tyson is 31 years older than Jake Paul
GETTYHowever, Tyson has admitted to struggling with the physical demands of his training camp.
Bentley, speaking on talkSPORT, raised particular concerns about the fight's two-minute round format, suggesting it could pose significant risks for Tyson.
"It's two minute rounds, which means the pace will be really fast. Can his heart hold up to that?" Bentley questioned.
The WBO International Middleweight Champion aksi expressed doubts about Tyson's training regime, asking: "Is he doing hard runs, is he doing cardio and is he doing all these things that athletes do?"
Bentley then pointed to Tyson's lifestyle choices, noting: "And you have a 50+ year old, that smokes weed a lot, he is going to try but it won't be enough."
"All I'm saying is if I was 60 I wouldn't want to train this hard."
Mike Tyson turned 58 years old in the summerReutersDespite health concerns, Tyson maintains his confidence ahead of the contest with Paul.
"I see him running around and I have to try and catch him and slaughter him," Tyson said recently.
The former champion dismissed Paul's experience level, stating: "He's a good little fighter but he's only had 10 fights which is considered as an amateur in our field."
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Tyson believes he will be the one setting the pace in the fight, despite his physical challenges.
"You have to become delusional to believe something you are not. But he is in trouble I believe," Tyson added.
Mike Tyson has faced scrutiny after agreeing to fight Jake Paul later this yearREUTERSYou may like
