Mike Tyson's at risk of suffering life-changing consequences in Jake Paul showdown, says medical expert
Today at 05:22 AM
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will lock horns at the AT&T Stadium, Texas, later this evening for what will be a monumental yet controversial occasion.
In truth, their professional boxing bout – scheduled for eight, two-minute rounds – is set to be one of this year's biggest sporting contests, headlining a stacked card on Netflix.
But still, several concerns over the health of Mike Tyson – who has not entered a professional ring since 2005 – have been expressed throughout the build-up.
Jake Paul, meanwhile, is seemingly in his physical prime, albeit with a far less decorated resume than his vastly more seasoned opponent.
- Read More [Bizarre true reason Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul in firey face-off is revealed as fight moves closer]
Dr Neil Scott is concerned for Mike Tyson in Jake Paul fight
Tyson's bizarre encounter with Paul was scheduled to take place back in July, until he was forced to postpone their clash after suffering an ulcer flare-up.
The serious illness forced him to take a step away from his training, with Paul instead facing former UFC middleweight contender Mike Perry.
Even so, Tyson's health issue had swiftly become a point of discussion, with many combat sports aficionados questioning whether he should be fighting at the age of 58.
More than that, the American's last professional bout – a devastating sixth-round stoppage defeat to Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago – suggested that the once fearsome operator is now damaged goods.
It is the age of 'Iron Mike,' though, that has been highlighted by Dr Neil Scott, a chief medical officer of the British Boxing Board of Control.
Dr Scott explains that Tyson, at his age, is likely to have a degree of cerebral atrophy – otherwise known as brain shrinkage – which, in short, puts him at an increased risk of suffering brain trauma.
"[Cerebral atrophy means] there is more space within your head, within your skull, for your brain to move," Dr Scott told Boxing News.
"It means it's more susceptible, whether that be to the linear, straight back and forward trauma or the rotational shearing forces.
"It's those kinds of forces, with having more space in the skull for the brain to move around, that are the concern.
"At the end of the day, the risk factors for Mike Tyson are much higher than they are for Jake Paul. I worry for Mike Tyson in this contest."
- Read More [Logan Paul breaks his silence after Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul during 'iconic' face-off scuffle]
Jake Paul has balloons up in weight to face Mike Tyson
With Paul taking on a former heavyweight champion who just so happens to be 31 years his senior, it would appear that his 12th professional boxing match remains a fair distance removed from an even playing field.
Nevertheless, the two combatants were separated by a whisker at yesterday's weigh-in, with Paul hitting the scales at a career-heaviest of 227.2 lbs while Tyson reached a more optimal weight of 228.4 lbs.
But, regardless of the similarity in weight, boxing fans will nonetheless be praying for Tyson to keep his risks of long term damage at a minimum – something that, in the heat of battle, is almost impossible to achieve.
