In an upcoming bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, former World Boxing Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson will be facing off against social media influencer-turned boxer Jake Paul. The match has generated a lot of buzz, with many questioning whether it should be taking place at all.
Tyson, now 58 years old and having not competed in a boxing match since 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride, has been training hard and is in impressive shape for the fight. Despite his age, Tyson seems fully focused and ready for the challenge. During a heated weigh-in, Tyson even showed Paul a glimpse of his power after the younger boxer appeared to step on his toe.
The fight has been officially sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, making it an official match. If the bout does take place, Tyson will become one of the oldest professional boxers in history, although he would only rank third on the list. Let’s take a look at the top five oldest professional boxers in history, as listed by VegasSlotsOnline News, to see where Tyson would fit in.
1. Bernard Hopkins
Age in final fight: 51 years old
Years active: 1988 – 2016
Nationality: USA
Weight category: Middleweight and light heavyweight
Bernard Hopkins, a legendary American boxer, holds the record as the oldest boxer to win a world title. Known for his strategic approach to fights and solid defense, Hopkins continued to compete at a high level into his 50s before retiring in 2016.
2. Dewey Bozella
Age in final fight: 52 years old
Years active: 2011
Nationality: USA
Weight category: Cruiserweight
Dewey Bozella’s story is unique, as he only competed in one professional bout at the age of 52. Wrongfully imprisoned for a murder he didn’t commit, Bozella continued to train in boxing while behind bars. After his release, he won a fight on the undercard of a major event and now shares his story as a public speaker.
3. Larry Holmes
Age in final fight: 52
Years active: 1973 – 2002
Nationality: USA
Weight category: Heavyweight
Larry Holmes, a heavyweight boxing great, competed in his final professional bout at the age of 52 in 2002. With an impressive record of 69 wins and just six losses, Holmes faced tough competition throughout his career and ended on a high note with a victory in his last fight.
4. Jack Johnson
Age in final fight: 60
Years active: 1898 – 1938
Nationality: USA
Weight category: Heavyweight
Jack Johnson, a trailblazer for African American boxers, became the first African American world heavyweight champion. Despite facing racial segregation and challenges during his career, Johnson achieved great success in the ring before retiring at the age of 60.
5. Steve Ward
Age in final fight: 64
Years active: 1977 – 1987; 2010 – 2021
Nationality: England
Weight category: Cruiserweight
Steve Ward, an English boxer from Nottinghamshire, holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest professional boxer. Making a comeback in 2010 after a lengthy hiatus due to injury, Ward continued to compete and broke the record multiple times before retiring at the age of 64.
As Tyson prepares to face Jake Paul in their upcoming bout, he will be adding his name to the list of oldest professional boxers in history. Despite his age, Tyson’s determination and physical condition suggest that he is ready for the challenge ahead. The fight may be controversial, but it promises to be an exciting event for boxing fans.