Almost a week after the fight Jake Paul’s decision victory over Mike Tyson, opinions are still coming in every day, mostly negative. The latest to speak out is Dr. Walter Wagner, who disagrees with the fact that this fight was allowed to take place. Beyond how disappointing it was, the German has harshly criticised the fact that Mike Tyson was allowed to box at the age of 58.
The former heavyweight champion’s last professional fight had been in 2005, almost 20 years earlier. For Wagner, a maximum age should be set for a fighter to step into the ring, as lives are put at risk in such situations. “As a rule, no one should be allowed to step into a ring over the age of 40,” he said.
No one over 40 should be allowed in a boxing ring
The reason for this criticism is not because of how bad Tyson looked, but for his health, and that of all those fighters who have made it fashionable in recent years to get into a boxing ring once retired. “If you are not able to protect and defend yourself in a ring, this can lead to serious health problems. The health of athletes should be the priority,” he concluded. Although ‘Iron Mike’ did not suffer severe punishment during the fight, the risk was real.
A growing trend
Mike Tyson is not a pioneer in this type of fight, nor will he be the last. A few months ago we saw Evander Holyfield, ‘Iron Mike’s’ nemesis, beknocked out in the first round by Vitor Belfort – a former UFC champion. There have been many cases of unnecessary comebacks,most of them motivated by the money behind them. That’s where Wagner’s criticism is directed.
In fact, last November 19 there was another case, which even broke Tyson’s record.Oliver McCall became the oldest former heavyweight champion to get back in the ring -59 years old-. As if that wasn’t enough, he knocked out Stacey Frazier -54 years old- in the second round, with a subsequent challenge to Jake Paul. Dr. Wagner has already warned that if this continues someone may end up getting hurt. The rules must change.
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