Despite concerns about his fitness, Mike Tyson has been dubbed a ‘Unicorn’ ahead of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul.
At 58 years old, Tyson has announced his return to the ring to face the YouTube boxer on July 20, despite worries about his well-being.
Recent footage from Tyson’s training camp showing him completing a 30-yard sprint has led fans to question his readiness to compete.
However, former bodybuilder Brad Rowe, who assisted in training Tyson for his exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, believes Tyson has the potential to deliver an extraordinary performance in the ring, regardless of his struggles in running drills.
Speaking to USA TODAY, Rowe described Tyson as a “unicorn,” acknowledging his stiffness and lack of coordination in various training aspects. However, Rowe remains optimistic about Tyson’s ability to defy expectations.
“Then when he enters the ring he turns into a ballerina. It’s unexplainable,’ Rowe said.
He then recalled telling Tyson to take it easy during similar drills in their camp four years ago.
He continued: “Day 1 he’s like, ‘No, (expletive) you. I’m sprinting.
“So I was like, ‘All right. Let’s pray for no injuries today.
“We’d go to this tennis court and he would like jog around the corners and sprint the straightaways and I’d be, like, I didn’t want him doing it.
“Because especially with someone older, an athlete like that that’s not used to that explosive moment.’’
Nonetheless concerns about potential injury prior to his showdown with Paul, the renowned power-puncher has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to proving his fitness.
Mixed reactions have greeted his training footage, with some within the boxing community expressing admiration for his formidable power displayed on the pads.
Paul, Tyson’s adversary, has hinted at feeling apprehensive about facing the seasoned boxing veteran, particularly after observing the recent dash.
He said: “Yeah, he was sprinting! It’s motivating, I think. It’s good to carry fear into the ring and with you on a daily basis when you’re training because it makes you better.
“He definitely is looking like a f***ing animal. I will say people are underestimating me.
“When I go to his comments, they’re saying if Mike loses then fighting is rigged.
“They see how good he looks on the mitts but Mike looking good on the mitts is not even half the battle, he’s got to face me in the ring.
“I think he might be seeing these videos and his confidence is growing.”
