
via Imago
Dana White and Mike Tyson | Credits: Imago

via Imago
Dana White and Mike Tyson | Credits: Imago
Boxing icon and former world champion Mike Tyson shocked combat sports fans when he recently announced that he will be making his return. ‘Iron’ will take on none other than the YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20th. Although the sound of Tyson returning to fight again sounds exciting for fans, Dana White does not seem to be in favor of his return.
Mike Tyson hasn’t fought professionally for almost two decades. He recently sparked his love for boxing back after undertaking the coaching responsibility of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. But ‘The Predator’ suffered a devastating knockout loss in his last fight against Anthony Joshua, getting handed his second loss in a row. While things did not work out for Ngannou, Tyson has now decided to step inside the squared circle. Let’s see what Dana White had to say about that.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dana White is concerned about Mike Tyson announcing his return
Dana White just got wrapped up with UFC 299, where Sean O’Malley successfully retained his title and avenged his loss against Marlon Vera. When the CEO addressed the media, he expressed his discomfort regarding the news of his return to boxing since he was near the 60s. “He gets mad when I do this [ask Tyson not to fight]. But Mike’s [almost] 60 now, man. I don’t know,” said White.
The 54-year-old promoter, nevertheless, mentioned that he does have some interest in seeing what Mike Tyson could offer at this age. However, he does not like the fact that there is a big difference between Jake Paul and ‘Iron’, and he is not a fan of such fights.
Read More: Joanna Jędrzejczyk Joins Ronda Rousey as Dana White Honors Ex-UFC Champ With Hall of Fame Entry
“I love Mike Tyson personally as a friend and he’s one of my favorite athletes of all time… Let’s see what he can [do], go in there, put together a training camp, and come in… I don’t like seeing guys [at his age] fighting it,” Dana White added. Moreover, he also pointed out the main reason why he’s not a fan of Tyson’s upcoming fight against Jake Paul.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
UFC CEO points out the obvious difference in age between Paul and Tyson
Jake Paul has made a name for himself in the boxing world. He has built a reputation for taking on MMA fighters. However, this time, he’s got the chance to fight one of the most iconic fighters of all time, Mike Tyson. But Dana White doesn’t feel like it’s fair since both Paul and ‘Iron’ have an age difference of over three decades. He further stated, “[There is a] 31-year age difference during that fight.”

via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 29: Mike Tyson looks on during the Women’s Singles First Round match between Serena Williams of the United States and Danka Kovinic of Montenegro on Day One of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Moreover, Dana White mentioned that he or the UFC doesn’t like to set up such a fight. He has stood his ground on that for years and the 54-year-old believes people already know how he feels about fighters having a large age gap between them. “You guys know what I think about that stuff,” White added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The UFC CEO is among many others who have raised concerns for Tyson after hearing the news of his return. It remains to be seen how that will pan out for the boxing icon. Will Tyson come out on top or will Jake Paul add a significant win to his record? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Read More: Kevin Holland Takes Aim at Bellator as UFC Star Reacts After Michael ‘Venom’ Page Loss at UFC 299
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT