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At 58, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is preparing for a high-profile return to boxing with a match against YouTube sensation Jake Paul. As the fight nears, Tyson's former coach, Teddy Atlas, has spoken out, downplaying any concerns about Tyson's health despite his age.
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The fight, originally scheduled for July, was postponed after Tyson experienced a health issue mid-flight, which led to an ulcer flare-up.
Now rescheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Tyson has reassured fans he's back in peak shape after dedicating months to recovery and training.
Yet, many remain apprehensive given his age and history with Sciatica; past sightings of Tyson using a cane and a wheelchair have only added to the speculation.
While fans debate whether Tyson should be fighting at all, Atlas sees no reason to worry. Although he concedes that most people Tyson's age wouldn't be near a boxing ring, he feels Tyson has what it takes to perform well.
"No, obviously he's okay. And that's good. That's his choice, his family's choice," Atlas told Pro Boxing Fans.
"He knows if he can come back. Obviously, it's something he overcame physically. [It] wasn't that serious.
"It's not a normal professional fight. The circumstances are a little different."
Atlas' advice to Paul
With the fight structured as eight rounds of two minutes each and both fighters using 14-ounce gloves, Atlas believes Tyson's stamina and skill will be on full display, especially in the early rounds.
"I'll tell you one thing, early on Jake better be alert the first couple rounds because one thing that a former great fighter like Tyson could do is still punch," Atlas added.
"The power is the last thing to leave you. If Jake gets killed early on... [That is] if it's [a] real [fight], if there's not an agreement in place, I don't know."