Teddy Atlas Questions Mike Tyson’s Real Motive Behind Fighting Jake Paul

Why is 58-year-old Mike Tyson stepping back into the ring to face Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer over 30 years his junior? It’s a question that even Teddy Atlas, Tyson’s former trainer, can’t help but ask. “Why?” Atlas said, reflecting a mix of concern and confusion that many share.

After all, Tyson isn’t just any retired boxer; he’s a legend who doesn’t need the money or the fame. As the fight date approaches, concerns grow about the risks for Tyson at his age. Is it a quest for glory, a lapse in judgment, or something else driving Tyson to fight a much younger opponent?

Atlas wonders if Tyson’s decision has an emotional aspect to it

During a candid conversation with Kevin Lole, Teddy Atlas didn’t hold back his thoughts on Mike Tyson’s decision to fight Jake Paul. “Why? That’s my first thought. I’m not being facetious. I’m not. I’m being serious. Why?” Atlas expressed, highlighting his genuine puzzlement. He wonders about the logic behind Tyson’s choice, considering his secure financial status and beloved public image.

Atlas probed deeper into the emotional aspects, asking, “Why would he want to do it? He seems to be in a good place in his life now, he’s made a lot of money again after he was bankrupt he’s made a lot of money. He’s got a good thing going on in his life. It seems like with Saudi Arabia and with here his image is good again, people love him, he’s iconic, everyone thinks he’s great. He’s applauded everywhere he goes. Why? He don’t need money, he don’t need fame like, why?” His questioning sheds light on more than just Tyson’s physical readiness—it touches on his motivations and what’s at stake emotionally.

This pointed inquiry from Atlas brings to light the considerable age difference between Mike Tyson and Paul, which has become a significant point of concern. While Atlas and others are concerned about the age gap, there is one person who is concerned for Jake Paul and that is Gilbert Arenas.

Arenas compares Tyson’s power to a 2024 Ford F-150

In a discussion about the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas shared his concerns, particularly about Paul’s ability to withstand Tyson’s legendary power. “I hope there are some stipulations [in their contract]… I’m hoping that there [are] rules that protect Jake Paul,” Arenas commented, emphasizing the potential danger due to Tyson’s strength.

He further explained, “Yeah, he’s 57, but is he really 57? Is [Tyson’s] punching power 57, no right? One, he probably hits three times harder than Jake Paul can possibly ever hit.” Arenas vividly likened Tyson’s impact to that of a robust vehicle: “You’re talking about a dude who probably hit like [a] Mack Truck then, still hitting like [an] F-150 today.”

Will the event fulfill the hype, or will it serve as a cautionary tale about the limits of comeback and courage in sports? What are your thoughts on the matchup?