Nearly 40 years after his professional debut, and 19 years after retiring, 58-year-old Mike Tyson will return to the ring on Friday in a Netflix-backed bout that has stirred widespread condemnation in the boxing world. Tyson, who dominated the heavyweight division in the late 1980s, will lace up the gloves once more to face YouTuber Jake Paul, 27, in an officially sanctioned fight at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.

A Controversial Comeback: Concerns Raised Over Tyson's Safety

Doubts and Criticism Surrounding the Fight

The bout, set for eight two-minute rounds, was initially scheduled for July but was postponed in May when Tyson required medical treatment after vomiting blood on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles due to a bleeding ulcer. This incident has fueled criticism of Friday's fight, with many condemning it as a macabre spectacle that poses undue risk for Tyson, who last appeared in a professional ring in 2005, ending in a technical knockout loss after quitting on his stool against Irish journeyman Kevin McBride.Prominent figures in the boxing world have voiced their concerns about the fight. British promoter Eddie Hearn stated, "Mike Tyson retired from boxing 20 years ago and was already worn out. If anyone thinks Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no concern for him, or you're being reckless. This shouldn't be happening." Frank Warren, another promoter, echoed the sentiment, saying, "Mike Tyson is 58 years of age and he shouldn't be fighting. It's as simple as that." Warren went on to compare the fight to a roadside accident, saying, "You're on the motorway, and everyone's slowing down just to look at a crash — that's what this is."

Tyson's Dismissal of Concerns and Confidence in His Abilities

Despite the widespread criticism, Tyson, who is reportedly earning around $20 million for the bout, has dismissed concerns for his wellbeing, claiming that critics are motivated by jealousy. "I'm beautiful, that's all I can say," he responded earlier this year. "Those who criticise wish they were in my place. No one else can do this." At an open workout in Texas this week, Tyson declared that his intense training camp had convinced him he was tougher than he'd realised. "When I agreed to this fight, I thought, 'What was I thinking?' But I completed the process. The fight is the celebration. All the hard work is done."

The Younger Challenger: Jake Paul's Rise in the Boxing World

Jake Paul, who was born six months before Tyson famously bit off a portion of Evander Holyfield's ear in their 1997 rematch, first gained fame on YouTube before turning to boxing. Since his first bout against a fellow YouTuber in 2018, Paul has fought various opponents, including a basketball player, MMA fighters, and other professional boxers. In 11 matches, he has won 10 (seven by knockout) and lost one. At Tuesday's open workout, Paul expressed confidence, saying, "I feel really good, sharp, powerful, and explosive. It's going to be a short night for Mike."

The Clash of Generations: Can Tyson Still Compete at the Highest Level?

It's clear that a prime, 1980s Tyson would likely have disposed of Paul within minutes. But the question remains: does Tyson still retain any trace of the power and skill that made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986, at age 20? Veteran promoter Bob Arum, 92, is blunt in his assessment. "The answer is no," Arum told SecondsOut.com last month. "A 58-year-old man, no matter how good or athletic they were, can't compete at that level anymore." Arum added, "I hope Mike doesn't get hurt, but I really give him almost no chance."With a global audience on Netflix and thousands in AT&T Stadium watching on Friday, the boxing world will be captivated by the clash of generations. Can Tyson, the legendary former champion, defy the odds and prove his critics wrong? Or will the younger, more experienced Paul emerge victorious in this highly anticipated showdown?