12 March 2024 , 10:34
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As Mike Tyson prepares for his fight with Jake Paul this summer, the boxing legend will be wary of his back condition that can leave him in a wheelchair.
'Iron Mike' is set for a one-off ring return against social media sensation Paul on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Tyson, who is over 30 years older than Paul, last fought against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition bout in November 2020. Paul fought for the second time as a professional on the undercard when he KO'd NBA star Nate Robinson.
Tyson was spotted using a wheelchair at an airport in 2022, sparking concern for his health among fans. "I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have," Tyson told Newsmax.
Sciatica is a back condition which typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. A shooting pain is felt in the sciatic nerve, which can run from the lower back all the way down the feet. Tyson isn't the only fighter to battle sciatica, with UFC legends such as Cain Velasquez and Anderson Silva previously speaking about their experiences with the condition.
The pictures of Tyson in a wheelchair emerged online just days after he issued a prediction on his life expectancy during an episode of his HotBoxin' podcast. "We’re all going to die one day of course," he said. "When I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face. I say, ‘Wow. That means my expiration date is coming close, really soon'.”
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Tyson will be 58-years-old by the time he fights Paul in the summer and he said of his comeback: “I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul. He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years. It's a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch."
"Whether you're team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event. I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion of the world, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. Time to put Iron Mike to sleep," Paul said.