Mike Tyson fought for $20M payout: Was it worth the impact to his health?
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"Tyson might feel invincible or even capable of taking on a younger fighter, but biologically, his body’s not the same as it was when he was younger." — Sean Ormond, MD
“It appears from a health standpoint that Mike Tyson may have seriously jeopardized his health in order to make money. He might be impacted for the rest of his life by injuries, brain damage, and other issues.” — Ryan Peterson, MD
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Boxing icon Mike Tyson shocked the sports world when he agreed to an exhibition match against YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, which was available to stream on Netflix on November 15, 2024.
At 58 years old, Tyson’s return to the ring stirred controversy, especially considering his age and history of legal battles, addiction, and troubled mental health throughout his career.[] Paul, in contrast, was almost three decades younger at 27, more active in the ring, and quickly building a reputation as a skilled boxer.
What would Tyson, now at an age when most athletes have long retired, stand to gain from this high-profile fight?
Some sources point to a financial goal: Tyson, whose financial troubles have been well-documented over the years, would receive $20 million to participate in the fight, a sum that would nearly triple his net worth.[]
But what would the fight cost him, physically? And does this monetary gain mean that Tyson effectively put a price tag on his physical health?
Risks in the ring
Tyson’s decision to return to boxing after nearly two decades of retirement raises crucial concerns about aging athletes and their physical limitations.
Tyson’s brain health is most concerning—especially after a career filled with knockouts, both delivering and receiving. While Paul is younger and presumably more resilient, Tyson’s age alone makes his decision to step into the ring more complex.
“[Tyson] might still be in fantastic shape, but the body’s natural aging process presents real challenges,” Sean Ormond, MD, a physician who is dual board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management, tells MDLinx. “The joints become less resilient, muscle recovery takes longer, and the spine isn’t as flexible as it once was.”
Dr. Ormond also notes the risk of repeated trauma to the head, which can lead to irreversible injuries.
“And that’s just the brain; there’s also the toll on the heart, bones, and muscles,” Dr. Ormond continues. “Tyson might feel invincible or even capable of taking on a younger fighter, but biologically, his body’s not the same as it was when he was younger. At this age, his body is far more susceptible to injuries that can have lifelong consequences.”
A sentiment returned by Ryan Peterson, MD, a board-certified physician in anesthesiology and pain medicine: “Even if a person is physically healthy, the likelihood of developing major health issues from a sport like boxing increases with age.”
How much is your health worth?
Given the health risks, it’s not far-fetched to propose that the financial incentive of a multi-million-dollar payday played a significant role in Tyson’s decision to fight Paul. This speaks volumes about how financial considerations play into healthcare decisions.
While the public may see it as an opportunity to redeem himself in the ring, the reality is that financial necessity could have clouded Tyson’s judgment. Financial concerns can push athletes, and the general public, into making decisions that may not be in their best health interests—be it making yourself vulnerable to head trauma via boxing or refusing to go to the doctor when illness arises.
“It appears from a health standpoint that Mike Tyson may have seriously jeopardized his health in order to make money,” says Dr. Peterson. “Even if the $20 million reward is alluring, the long-term health consequences of subjecting your body to risky hobbies like boxing, particularly at his age, might be far more expensive. He might be impacted for the rest of his life by injuries, brain damage, and other issues.”
"Even if the short-term financial gain would appear justified, the long-term health hazards might outweigh the benefit."
— Ryan Peterson, MD
“Financial stress can be a powerful force, influencing the choices people make about their health,” Dr. Ormond tells MDLinx. “I’ve had many patients come into my clinic with clear, treatable issues—things like chronic pain or ongoing medical conditions—but when the conversation turns to treatment, the reality of cost becomes the roadblock.”
Dr. Ormond says Tyson’s decision to fight is a great example of the lengths someone will go to when faced with potentially overwhelming financial stress: “When you’re drowning in debt, the idea of getting back above water, even at the cost of your own health, can seem like a necessary evil.”
The bottom line
Mike Tyson’s decision to fight Jake Paul in November 2024, despite being in his late 50s and carrying a history of injuries, highlights the complicated relationship between health and finances. While Tyson’s physical condition may have been impressive for his age, the decision to return to boxing—especially given his financial circumstances—raises important questions about the value of health and the financial pressures that athletes face.