Mike Tyson is set to return to the boxing ring against social media star Jake Paul on Friday.
At 58 years old Tyson is stepping back into the boxing ring for a blockbuster affair in Texas on Friday.
The American last fought professionally 19 years ago, in defeat to Kevin McBride, but competed in an exhibition bout four years ago.
Tyson fought Roy Jones Jr to a draw back in 2020, the last time we saw him step inside the ring.
During his career, Tyson won the heavyweight championship of the world, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of his generation.
One of the greatest boxers of his generation, who has a unique link to a trailblazing tennis legend.
Mike Tyson’s Arthur Ashe tattoo explained
Tyson’s face tattoo makes him one of the most recognizable athletes in all of sports, but a tattoo on his left arm gives him a very unique link to the world of tennis.
The 58-year-old has a tattoo honouring tennis legend Arthur Ashe and his memoir, ‘Days of Grace’.
It is said that Tyson read several books whilst in prison from 1992-1995, one of which being Ashe’s deathbed memoir.
Tyson was reportedly moved by the book and inspired by Ashe’s non-confrontational style, whilst admiring his ability to be successful as a black athlete in a predominantly white sport.
Ashe, a three-time Grand Slam champion was known for his civil rights activism following his retirement, fighting against South African apartheid and fighting for the rights of Haitian refugees amongst other causes.
Ashe has been honoured in tennis, by the US Open, which named the main stadium after him, with fans watching plenty of top tennis stars compete at Arthur Ashe Stadium every year.
Who is Jake Paul and why is Mike Tyson fighting him?
Tyson will be returning to boxing against a man 31 years his junior, in Jake Paul.
Paul is a social media star turned professional boxer, who has had several marquee fights against big names in the world of boxing and MMA.
A controversial name in the new world of ‘crossover boxing’ Paul has beaten the likes of Tyrone Woodley, Nate Diaz, and Anderson Silva, all names that UFC fans would recognise.
His lone defeat in boxing came to Tommy Fury, brother of Tyson Fury, the man named after the American former heavyweight champion.
The pair are facing off as two of the biggest names in the sport, with the self proclaimed ‘Problem child’ making a name for himself in recent years.
The purse for the fight is said to be $40 million, just $5 million short of what heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk earned in his heavyweight title victory over Fury earlier this year.
When Paul was asked why he is fighting Tyson, who is approaching 60, he replied with a typical brash response.
“I’m here to make $40 million, and knock out a legend,” he said.
Tyson will face off against Paul on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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