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Can a legendary boxer still compete at 58? Joe Rogan has his doubts, especially when the boxer is Mike Tyson, gearing up to fight a man over three decades his junior.
The world of combat sports is buzzing as the iconic heavyweight champion prepares to step back into the ring against 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul. Netflix is set to broadcast this match on Friday, November 15, marking its first-ever live combat sports event. But not everyone is filled with sheer excitement — Rogan, 57, is openly expressing his concerns.
Joe Rogan speaks during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. The former ‘Fear Factor’ host recently shared insights on Mike Tyson’s anticipated comeback fight on his podcast.
Luke Hales/Getty Images
On the Tuesday, August 20 episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, featuring Hollywood star Russell Crowe, the renowned UFC commentator and podcaster didn’t hold back on his reservations about Tyson’s age and the physical demands of the upcoming fight. “58 is 58, no matter what you’re taking and what they’re doing for you,” Rogan remarked candidly.
Tyson, who last fought in an exhibition match in 2020, faces a challenging opponent in Paul, 31 years his junior and fresh from a string of victories against formidable fighters. The former Fear Factor host praised Paul’s recent performances, noting his wins against seasoned athletes like Tyron Woodley and his commendable bout with Tommy Fury.
“58-year-old Mike Tyson is not 50-year-old Mike Jones that lives down the street, it’s a different kind of human being,” he said, adding, “He can still knock your head into another dimension if he can catch you. The thing is, can he catch a 28-year-old guy who’s at the top of his career who is winning legitimate boxing matches?”
Rogan went on to say, “When Mike is hitting pads he looks great, but it’s hard to tell when someone is hitting pads. If he can do that for eight rounds, great. But can he do that? I don’t know, he had to pull out of the first fight because he had an ulcer.”
Crowe, 60, chimed in with a lighter note. “I was quite enjoying the second phase of Mike’s life,” he shared. “He was terrifying as a boxer. Even when I met him backstage at a stadium, I thought, ‘I’m still terrified of you.'”
Update 08/26/24, 8:13 a.m. ET. This article was updated to include Jake Paul’s name.