Mike Tyson receives health warning from doctor ahead of Jake Paul fight

A doctor has issued Mike Tyson with a health warning after the former heavyweight agreed to a fight with Jake Paul.

Former unified heavyweight champion Tyson will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, who is 30 years his junior, in a bout scheduled for July 20.

While Tyson was one of the most ferocious heavyweights in the world, and the first ever to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles, he will be 58 when he enters the ring to take on Paul.

Indeed, Paul, 27, has received criticism from the likes of KSI, Eddie Hearn and Carl Froch for taking a fight with a boxer who has not competed professionally since 2005.

And in an article for The Conversation, a senior lecturer in medicine at Anglia Ruskin University has highlighted that the fight could see Tyson suffer fatal injuries.

Dr Stephen Hughes claimed that as an older man and recovering alcoholic, ‘Iron Mike’ is at risk of suffering a subdural haematoma, which is the tearing of veins in the brain.

“In older people, the brain tends to lose volume,” Hughes explained. "This lengthens the bridging veins and makes them more vulnerable to rupture.

“Bleeding from these torn veins causes a collection of blood that presses on the brain. This causes confusion, loss of consciousness, neurological disability and, in some cases, death.

“Alcoholism is known to accelerate brain shrinkage, and it appears that Tyson has this as a past risk factor.”

Hughes added that Tyson may be at risk of several heart conditions should he overtrain for the comeback fight.

Mike Tyson hasn't boxed professionally since 2005 (Getty)

Hughes added: “Middle age sees an increase in the likelihood of cardiac events such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), angina (reduced blood flow to heart muscles), and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

“Keeping fit protects against cardiovascular disease, and Tyson’s exercise regime will benefit him greatly. However, the temptation to overdo it in the gym is always there.

“Extreme exercise can lead to cardiac fibrosis (scarring of the heart muscles), which over time may lead to heart failure or, sometimes, sudden death.

“Coronary atherosclerosis (narrowed heart arteries) is common in middle age, even in seemingly healthy people. However, it can lead to sudden death during exercise.

“Although regular exercise reduces this risk, a cocaine habit elevates it considerably – and Tyson has been known to have used the drug in the past.”

Topics: Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.