The newly announced fight between the boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, and social media sensation Jake Paul has caused equal measures of excitement and trepidation. While fans are in an uproar to see two men of great populism from different generations duke it out, for medical professionals, there is much to worry about in the way of health risks for the former heavyweight champion. Tyson, who last boxed nearly two decades ago, will enter the ring under increased scrutiny because of age-related health factors and a history of substance use.
Medical expert Stephen Hughes, who spoke with the Sun, first of all was afraid of the probable brain damage, including subdural hematomas-dangerous blood collections caused by torn veins-which could just happen in older athletes. “In aging fighters, brain volume loss and previous lifestyle factors heighten risks,” said Hughes, mentioning substance use in Tyson’s past as one of these risk factors.
Another concern of Hughes’ relates to the cardiac health of Tyson, citing gross exercise and prior narcotic use as increasing the risk of cardiac fibrosis, heart failure, or sudden death. While Tyson is in excellent physical shape, both his age and his medical history make these cautionary statements valid. A fight that was scheduled to begin in July was delayed due to Tyson experiencing an ulcer flare-up, serious enough to necessitate his being airlifted to Los Angeles, raising debate regarding whether this-return is plausibly, possible.
