The former boxing superstar is causing a stir with an announcement. The date for his return has already been set – Tyson’s opponent is a controversial figure.
He is one of the biggest and most controversial personalities in boxing history, which is not lacking in big and controversial personalities. His fights in the 80s and 90s drew millions to their screens around the world. Mike Tyson was one of the most defining figures in sport for years and is still considered the epitome of the tough, wild knockout puncher. And now he’s back.
On Thursday, the now 57-year-old made the sensational announcement with just one sentence: “The contract is signed,” Tyson posted on Instagram. Also: The poster for the event. Mike Tyson celebrates his comeback in the ring. The event is scheduled to take place on July 20th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
And his opponent is also no stranger – but at least as controversial as Tyson himself: the 30 years younger influencer Jake Paul, who has been causing a stir since 2020 with boxing matches against stars from other sports. “I think next to nothing of that,” said former boxing world champion Regina Halmich in a recent interview on t-online. “One is influencer boxing, the other is real boxing.” However: “In the short term there may be attention, an influencer like Paul is shaking up the boxing world with his big mouth, even though he is not a professional.”
There had been speculation about a Tyson comeback for some time. The last time the heavyweight was in the ring was in 2005, where he suffered a knockout defeat against Kevin McBride. Of a total of 58 fights in his career, Tyson won 50, 44 of them by knockout, lost six fights, and two fights were not counted.