Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is on a collision course with YouTube boxing sensation Jake Paul on November 15th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, before the fight was announced early this year, no one would have imagined Tyson would take a trip back to the professional ring at his age, almost twenty years after his official retirement in 2005. 

The bout was originally scheduled for July, but a sudden and unfortunate ulcer flare-up during a cross-country flight pushed the fight back to November. It also raised concerns about Tyson’s health, who turned 58 in June. Speaking about his upcoming fight with veteran HBO sports commentator Jim Gray on the latest episode of Behind The Mike series on YouTube, Tyson reflected on the situation. 

Gray, a familiar face ringside for many of Tyson’s past fights, posed a thought-provoking question to the legendary boxer: had he ever imagined still fighting at this age? Tyson responded with an air of mystique, “Hey listen, it was written. That’s all I know. It was written.” His words suggested that this matchup with the social media star was not just a coincidence but rather destiny orchestrated by cosmic forces.

“Millions of years before my bloodlines existed, it was written, brother,” he added, asking Gray about his thoughts on the fight. “I think you are in pretty good shape. You’ve been doing this for a long time,” Gray responded, asking how Tyson felt fighting now compared to his prime in the 1980s and 90s. 

There’s been a huge shift in Tyson’s persona as he grew older. Once a ferocious and wild fighter has become calmer and more grounded. This is reflected in his answer to Gray’s question. “I feel I don’t have to call people bad names. I feel really happy. This is going to be a good day,” Tyson said. When Gray asked Tyson about where he was as a fighter, Tyson gave a reassuring answer.

“I’ll be better by the time of the fight,” he said. Gray further probed Tyson about whether he has the same mindset as when he was the youngest heavyweight champion, noting, “Are you still that guy? Are you a different fighter?” Mike Tyson responded wisely, “Well, no, I know. I never lie to myself but I know I’m good enough.”

While only time will tell whether Tyson, 58, will be good enough, this Hall of Fame referee has some concerning news for Jake Paul.

Referee Richard Steele doesn’t think Jake Paul will go the distance with Mike Tyson

Speaking to USA TODAY Sports a handful of days ago, Richard Steele issued a concerning warning for Jake Paul ahead of the upcoming bout on Netflix. The 80-year-old won’t be the referee for the fight, but he has officiated six of Tyson’s past bouts and emphasized the unique dangers involved in Tyson’s fights. 

“You had to be always aware of what’s going on because one of Mike Tyson’s punches could really hurt the other guy,” Steele said. He also felt the two-minute round format could help Tyson drastically, stating, “I don’t see the guy going that distance with Tyson… he can go all out.” The Hall of Fame referee spoke about the 14-ounce gloves being used as well. 

He insisted, “That’s still a small glove thinking about the power of Mike Tyson.” 

Tyson’s mindset and the warning from referee Richard Steele hints at a grim night for Jake Paul. Whether that becomes a reality is yet to be seen, but one thing is clear Mike Tyson is ready for the action. What do you think will happen on November 15th?