Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson returned to the ring on Friday in a much-scrutinised clash that got the whole world talking. Despite losing out to YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul, ‘Iron Mike’ broke a couple of records simply by stepping through the ropes, but one of those achievements has been eclipsed, just a few days later.
As many assumed would be the case, Tyson was understandably a shadow of his former self, scoring just 18 punches across eight rounds and appearing to be an immobile, ‘sitting duck’ for Paul to land when he pleased.
Fortunately for the 58-year-old veteran, and for the viewers watching with any ounce of respect for the former undisputed champion, Paul showed mercy and did not take advantage of his flat-footed dance partner, doing enough to win each round but seemingly refusing to attempt to knock Tyson out.
After the unanimous-decision win was confirmed for ‘The Problem Child’, it was official that Mike Tyson had extended his professional record and now boasted the longest career of any of the 111 heavyweight champions in boxing history.
Additionally, the once ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ became the oldest former heavyweight champion to take part in a professional contest.
Yet, Tyson was not the only heavyweight making a return to the professional ranks, with Ike Ibeabuchi and Shannon Briggs eyeing up returns, as well as Oliver McCall.
Last night, a 59-year-old Oliver McCall (59-14) made his comeback to end a relatively small five-and-a-half-year spell of inactivity, compared to the 19 years that Tyson was absent from the ring.
‘The Atomic Bull’ faced 54-year-old Stacy Frazier (16-22) in a scrap at ‘Country Box’ and scored a second-round knockout over his fellow American – simultaneously becoming the oldest former heavyweight champion to fight professionally and oldest to win an official bout.
59-year-old OIiver McCall, who stopped Lennox Lewis back in 1994, picked up his 60th win in 74 fights last night when stopping Stacey Frazier 💥
He then called out @JakePaul, @LoganPaul & @MikeTyson 🤯
🎬 @FiteTV#OliverMcCall | #JakePaul | #MikeTysonpic.twitter.com/e9lzFmY0G0
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) November 20, 2024
Tyson will retain his record of the longest career (14,499 days) of any former heavyweight champion for now, with McCall now thrusting up to second spot (14,262 days), in front of Roy Jones Jr. (12,384) and Jack Johnson (12,231).
However, the Chicago-born contender may be set to trump Tyson’s record during 2025, showing no plans to retire and even calling out Jake Paul during the aftermath of his 60th win.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.