“Mike Tyson could beat most guys before he even stepped in the ring,” said one longtime Tyson fan. This while the legendary boxer, now 58, will take on 27-year-old famous YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul. Tyson is a legend of his age, and at this age. And as Tyson jumps into the ring and fights Paul, which is streaming on Netflix this Saturday, there are two questions that come to mind. Is 58-year-old Tyson taking too big a risk? Is he a freak of nature or can we also achieve such physical strength and endurance at his age?

Boxing fans around the world are waiting with bated breath for the ‘Iron Mike’ vs. ‘Problem Child’ match, a Boxing fans will remember it for a lifetime. But for Tyson, a heavyweight legend, this will be a new chapter in his life, which could very well be a book, and it is.

Getting back to Tyson’s age and Saturday’s match. The match has been adjusted to Tyson’s age. It will be a match of rounds of two eight minutes. Typically high-profile fights are held over 10 or 12 three-minute rounds.

Also the gloves will not be the usual 10oz gloves used in competitions. The Tyson vs. Paul fight will feature 14oz gloves, which provide extra padding and support.

Despite the better cushioned gloves and shorter lap timing, it still remains a contact sport and a confrontation in the ring.

The questions also remain: is Tyson a freak of nature, and is it wise for someone his age to step back into the ring? And can we also achieve such strength and endurance at his age?

FREAK OF NATURE OR FREAK AGAINST NATURE?

First we look at what a ‘higher risk age category’ is according to two boxing commissions in the US, where each state has its own regulatory bodies.

In New York, the maximum age at which a boxer can enter the ring is 40 years old. In Texas, those over the age of 36 are required to undergo a heart health check before they are allowed to box.

Looking at martial arts research at Weil Cornell Medical Center by Dr. K. Nitin Sethi, it appears that cognitive decline begins at the age of 35. But after age 40, boxers are at greater risk of injury.

India Today Digital also spoke to an orthopedic surgeon and sports injury expert about the decline in the ability to be a boxer with age.

“With aging, there is a decline in muscle mass and cognitive decline. But some athletes do maintain good fitness,” Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based sports injury specialist, told India Today Digital.

But in addition to the weakening of the muscles, there are other factors that lead to reduced fitness.

Research by the Journal of Applied Physiology among American track athletes also showed that, in addition to aging, fitness and strength training were also important elements.

“People are more likely to suffer brain injuries in their 50s and 60s. The skull also becomes more sensitive with age,” says Dr Bharadwaj.

But even with the high risk that comes with age and returning to the ring after 19, Tyson has a few advantages.

MIKE TYSON CAN DO IT, BUT SHOULD YOU?

Mike Tyson is an exception and not the norm and career athletes have large teams of dietitians, fitness trainers and ring trainers that need to be realized, he added.

But even then, even these boxers must 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 call earlier,” said the surgeon. Expert advice could be useful in such cases.

This is a combat sport that even requires hitting the opponent on the head and concussions are an integral part of that.

But it isn’t.

It is also possible that you sustain an injury while training intensively for a boxing match.

But athletes want to remain athletes, they don’t want to hang up their boots until age has a visible impact on their performance.

“Look at cricketers in India. The moment the effects of aging start to show, hand-eye coordination and other muscle reflexes tend to get weaker. Then they retire,” he said.

It is important to note that the level of physical fitness required to be a successful boxer is enormous, 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 changed settings and equipment serve as a reminder of the risks that come with aging in martial arts.

Can you start boxing at 58, Tyson’s age?

You have to remember that Tyson was an athlete, which means his body is conditioned the way it is. He also has a large team of specialists, including medical experts, telling him where to stop.

While nothing is impossible for humans, one must be aware of the risks involved and the limits to which the human body can be safely pushed. To do that, you need good coaches and medical experts and you have to undergo a series of tests.

Because the bones are now brittle and the muscles are tender, any injury can be debilitating. Even minor injuries take a long time to heal.

A match between Tyson and Paul was even canceled in July after fears of Tyson developing a stomach ulcer.

Even with an exercise regimen, caution must be taken.

Weight and cardio training will need to be done under expert supervision and guidance. For safety reasons, progress will be gradual and closely monitored.

There is nothing that can stop a strong-willed person, at least in age.

Being fit can be your New Year’s resolution, but don’t try to be a Mike Tyson punching above his weight. The knockout could be brutal.