Mike Tyson = Evander Holyfield

Nineteen years after his last official match, Mike Tyson is set to return to the ring for a sanctioned fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The bout, which was initially scheduled for July 20th but postponed due to Tyson suffering from an ulcer flare-up, will now take place on November 15th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will air live on Netflix.

Jake Paul has built a notable boxing career since his debut in 2020, with his most recent fight being a 6th-round TKO victory over former UFC fighter Mike Perry in July. Now, Paul will face a Hall of Fame boxer in Mike Tyson, who at 58 years old, is far past his prime. This upcoming fight raises comparisons to another legendary boxer, Evander Holyfield, who also attempted a comeback in 2021 at the age of 58 and suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of former MMA champion Vitor Belfort.

Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986 and later dominated the division for several years, has not competed in a sanctioned fight since 2005. His last world title came in 1996 when he defeated Bruce Seldon for the WBA heavyweight belt. Tyson's career took a downturn following his back-to-back losses to Holyfield, but he has maintained a presence in the boxing world, notably participating in a 2020 exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr.

The question looming over this fight is whether Tyson, like Holyfield, will struggle to keep up with a younger opponent. Holyfield looked slow and out of shape in his 2021 bout, which ended in a first-round TKO loss. At 58, Tyson will face similar challenges as he takes on the 31-years-younger Paul, who has dedicated himself to boxing over the past few years and possesses significant speed and stamina advantages.

Tyson still has his renowned punching power, which could lead to an early finish if he lands a clean shot on Paul. However, if Paul can weather the early rounds, his youth and stamina may prove too much for Tyson, potentially leading to a late-round victory for the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Tyson’s return may draw attention, but the fight could end in a similar fashion to Holyfield's ill-fated comeback if he struggles with his endurance and speed.