Mike Tyson's Family Urges Boxing Icon to Retire in Wake of Bout with Jake Paul
Mike Tyson's family has taken a firm position on the fighter's future after a recent bout with Jake Paul.
At 58, Tyson was unanimously defeated by Jake Paul in a Netflix-organized bout at AT&T Stadium, raising concerns among his loved ones about his continued participation in the sport, as the Daily Mail reports.
November's highly publicized event marked Netflix's inaugural venture into boxing, featuring the legendary Mike Tyson against the much younger Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium. This bout, originally slated for July, was delayed due to health issues on Tyson's side.
The match went the distance, concluding with a unanimous decision in favor of Paul. It was not just a defeat but a visible struggle for Tyson, reflecting his age and the physical toll of boxing.
Concerns over Tyson's health were not new, as the bout's postponement from July to November was due to an ulcer flare-up he suffered, highlighting the risks involved.
Family's Concern Over Tyson's Health and Future
Amid these physical challenges, Tyson's family, particularly his son Amir and wife Lakiha Spicer, voiced their concerns. Amir Tyson openly discussed the physical mismatch between his father and Paul, noting the disadvantages of age and stamina.
"Jake is younger, faster, and bigger -- when you get older your cardio diminishes," Amir explained, underlining the dangers of such matches for his father.
Lakiha Spicer, Tyson's wife, alongside Amir, has made a plea for Tyson to retire from boxing, treating the decision as a matter of family well-being.
Amir Tyson Shares Insights on Father's Stubbornness
The influence of family on Tyson's decisions appears limited, however. "That chat would be a waste of time! He is his own man," Amir said to SunSport, acknowledging his father's fierce independence and love for the sport.
Despite the family's plea, Amir knows his father might not heed their advice. "If I say too much he'd only tell me to shut up and remind me I'm not his dad," he added, indicating the complexity of their relationship.
Amir remains hopeful, though realistic about his father's choices, suggesting, "I'll chip in and say, 'That was a great last fight, leave it at that.' But if he wants to do it then nobody is going to stop him, because he loves it."
Pride, Concern Collide in Tyson's Family
Despite the concerns, there is a deep sense of pride in what Tyson has accomplished. Amir expressed immense pride in his father's ability to perform at such an advanced age, likening it to a "Rocky XI moment."
"Most athletes finish and retire into the sunset, but for him to remain this relevant, for so many generations -- it shows you everything. I am very proud," Amir reflected on his father's enduring appeal and relevance in the sport.
Yet, the pride does not overshadow the genuine worry for Tyson's well-being, a sentiment echoed by Amir when he said, "I was very proud. But yes of course I was worried. I knew he wasn't going to get knocked down or out because he can take those punches."
Uncertain Future for Boxing Icon
The family's concerns and the visible struggle during the match with Paul suggest that retirement could be the safest and most prudent option for Tyson.
However, his past behavior and love for the sport hint that Tyson's final decision remains uncertain.
As the sports world watches, the question remains: Will Tyson heed his family's concerns, or will he continue to pursue the sport he loves at the risk of his health?
For now, the family stands united in their hope that the bout against Jake Paul will mark the end of Tyson's storied career in the ring.