“Mike Tyson could beat most guys even before he entered the ring,” said a long-time Tyson fan. This as the legendary boxer, now 58, is set to face the 27-year-old celebrity YouTuber and boxer, Jake Paul. Tyson is a legend of his age, and at this age. And as Tyson jumped into the ring and fought Paul, which was streamed on Netflix this Saturday, there were two questions that jumped at us. Is 58-year-old Tyson taking too big a risk? Is he a freak of nature or can we too achieve such physical strength and stamina at his age?
Boxing fans across the world waited for the ‘Iron Mike’ vs ‘Problem Child’ match with bated breath, a boxing match fans will remember for a lifetime.
Jake Paul won the fight. For Tyson, a heavyweight legend, age was visible in every step he took, every punch he threw.
The match had been adjusted to Tyson’s age. It was a contest of two-eight minute rounds. Typically, high-profile bouts are held over 10 or 12 three-minute rounds.
The gloves, too, weren’t the usual 10oz ones used in matches. The Tyson-Paul fight saw 14oz gloves, which provided extra padding and support.
Despite better-cushioned gloves and reduced round timing, it was still a contact sport and a face-off in the ring.
The questions also remain: Is Tyson a freak of nature, and is it wise for someone of his age to step back into the ring? And can we too achieve such strength and stamina at his age?
FREAK OF NATURE OR FREAK AGAINST NATURE?
First, we look at what a ‘higher risk age bracket’ is according to two boxing commissions in the US, where every state have own regulatory bodies.
In New York, the maximum permitted age at which a boxer can step into the ring is capped at 40. In Texas, a heart-health check-up is done on those above the age of 36 before they are allowed to box.
If we look at research on combat sports by the Weil Cornell Medical Centre by Dr K Nitin Sethi, it says cognitive decline starts at the age of 35. But after 40, boxers are at a higher risk of injury.
India Today Digital also spoke to an orthopaedic surgeon and sports injury expert about the decline in the ability to be a boxer with age.
“With age, there is a decline in muscles along with cognitive decline. But some athletes do maintain good fitness levels,” Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based sports injury specialist told India Today Digital.
But there are other factors along with weakening of muscles which lead to decreased fitness.
Research by the Journal of Applied Physiology on American track athletes also showed how, along with ageing, conditioning and strength training were also important elements.
“In the 50s and 60s, people are more likely to get brain injury. The skull also gets more sensitive with increase in age,” said Dr Bharadwaj.
But even with the high risk that comes with age and going back to the ring after 19 years, Tyson has a few advantages.
MIKE TYSON COULD DO IT, BUT SHOULD YOU TOO?
Mike Tyson is an exception and not the norm and career athletes have large teams consisting of dietitians, fitness trainers and ring trainers that have to be realised, he added.
But even then, even these boxers have to exercise the utmost caution.
“They have to see how much they can push themselves. It is advisable to see how much you can do, at Tyson’s level, and not take a call before it,” said the surgeon. Expert opinion should come in handy in such cases.
This is a combat sport which requires punching the opponent even in the head and concussions are an integral part of it.
But that is not it.
There is also a possibility of getting an injury while training rigorously for a boxing match.
But athletes want to remain athletes, they do not want to hang up their boots until age visibly impacts their performance.
“Look even at cricketers in India. The moment the effects of ageing start to show up, hand-eye coordination and other muscle reflexes tend to get weaker. Then, they retire,” he said.
It’s important to note that the level of physical conditioning required to be a successful boxer is immense, and even for younger, trained athletes, it takes years of rigorous training to reach a competitive level.
The challenge of maintaining peak performance becomes even more difficult as athletes age.
Tyson’s return to the boxing ring is an exception. The altered settings and equipment serve as reminders to the risks associated with ageing in combat sports.
So, can you take to boxing at 58, Tyson’s age?
One has to remember that Tyson has been an athlete, which means his body has been conditioned in the way it is. He also has a big team of specialists, including medical experts, to tell him where to stop.
Though nothing is impossible for human beings, one needs to be aware of the risks attached and the limit to which the human body can be pushed safely. For you to do that, you will require good coaches, medical experts and need to undergo a battery of tests.
Because bones are now brittle and muscles tender, any injury can be debilitating. Even minor injuries take a long time to heal.
A match was even cancelled between Tyson and Paul in July after an ulcer-fear for Tyson.
Even with a workout regimen, caution will have to be exercised.
Weight and cardio training will have to be done under expert watch and guidance. For safety, progress will be gradual and closely monitored.
There’s nothing that can stop a strong-willed person, age the least.
At the end of Saturday’s bout, Tyson was asked what would be his advice for anyone who wanted to do the same at 50. Tyson said it would be difficult, and conveyed his “best wishes” to all those who would try. He, however, joked that he would get back to the ring again, taking on Logan Paul, Jake Paul’s brother.
Being fighting fit could be your New Year resolution, but do not try to be a Mike Tyson punching above his weight at the outset. The knock-out could be brutal.