Mike Tyson warned of significant health risks ahead of Jake Paul fight

Stephen Hughes, a senior lecturer in medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, wrote into The Conversation warning of the potential health risks to Tyson should the bout be sanctioned.

He said: “The immediate effects may be minimal; the boxer may simply recover. But on some occasions, the effects may be devastating: a subdural haematoma can occur.

“In this condition, shearing forces cause tearing of bridging veins between the brain and blood vessels within the brain coverings, or meninges. Bleeding from these torn veins causes a collection of blood that presses on the brain.

“This causes confusion, loss of consciousness, neurological disability and, in some cases, death.

“In older people, the brain tends to lose volume. This lengthens the bridging veins and makes them more vulnerable to rupture. 

“Alcoholism is known to accelerate brain shrinkage, and it appears that Tyson has this as a past risk factor.”

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Hughes explained that Tyson could receive permanent effects from the fight and could also be at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

‘Iron Mike’ has been open on his history of alcohol and substance abuse throughout his life and in October 2020, claimed that he was ‘on the verge of dying’ from alcoholism.

Tyson’s trainer, Rafael Cordeiro, spoke to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour to dismiss concerns regarding his fighter’s safety.

He said: “I believe we don’t have to be concerned about it. We’re talking about a two-time world champion - he works hard every single day to go in there and try to knock Jake out from the beginning to the end.

“You can see fire in his eyes when he trains, and he will never give less than that. I truly believe it is going to be a great show.”

There will be a 31-year age difference between the pair when they take to the ring at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 20.

Paul has made a name for himself picking opponents that are on the older side. He knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson in his second pro bout, on the undercard of Tyson’s exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.

He has recorded victories over Ben Askren, formerly of the UFC, and former UFC champions Tyrone Woodley, Nate Diaz and Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva - all of which were over the age of 35 when they fought Paul.

The Problem Child’s only loss came when he faced Tommy Fury in February 2023 and he has bounced back with knockout wins over boxers Andre August and Ryan Bourland.

The fight with Tyson will be Paul’s biggest challenge to date as he faces off against the former two-time unified heavyweight champion of the world.

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