Pacquiao’s Comeback Divides Opinion — Again
The Pacquiao safety return saga has added a new twist, and it’s coming from an unlikely source — Amir Tyson, son of heavyweight legend Mike Tyson. He’s gone on record saying that Manny Pacquiao’s return to boxing at 46 could be “dangerous” and questions whether it’s really worth the risk.
Now look — on the surface, he’s got a point. Boxing’s not a hobby you just pick back up. Especially not in your forties. But considering who’s making the warning… it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow, isn’t it?
Because it was just last November when Mike Tyson himself stepped into the ring against Jake Paul — in a fight that a lot of people still think should never have happened.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: The Most-Watched Anti-Climax?
Let’s get the facts straight. Mike Tyson did fight Jake Paul on 15 November 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Texas. It was streamed live on Netflix, pulling in a staggering 65 million concurrent viewers, making it the most-watched live sporting event in the platform’s history.
The result? Jake Paul won by unanimous decision after eight rounds — a fight in which Tyson, aged 58, clearly struggled to keep pace. ESPN’s report described the bout as “respectful but plodding,” and while it wasn’t a farce, it certainly wasn’t a firefight.
Let’s be honest — Tyson looked his age. Slow, tired, and stiff after the first couple of rounds. Paul didn’t push the pace too hard either, which only added to the whispers: Was the fight fixed? Now, I wouldn’t go that far — but I get why people think it.
So with that in mind, does Amir Tyson really get to warn other legends about their safety?\
Pacquiao’s Comeback Isn’t Just Nostalgia — It’s Title Chasing
Here’s where Pacquiao’s situation is even more concerning. This isn’t a farewell exhibition. It’s not even an ego trip. Manny Pacquiao wants another world title shot. Let that sink in.
As I already covered in detail on CMBoxing and again here, Pacquiao has made it clear that he’s targeting active champions — and some sanctioning bodies look more than happy to oblige.
But his last proper fight was a 2021 loss to Yordenis Ugas, where he looked a shell of himself — slower, less explosive, and unable to pull the trigger like he once could. Sky Sports called it a “changing of the guard,” and they were right.
Four years later, against younger, hungrier fighters? This is no fairytale.
Do We Need Age Limits in Boxing?
This brings us back to the wider point: should boxing have an upper age limit?
At the moment, as long as a fighter passes a medical and finds a willing promoter, they can fight into their 50s. That might make business sense — but it doesn’t make moral sense. Especially when we know how brutal this sport can be on the brain and body long-term.
Other sports have age-related protocols. Why not boxing? At 46, Pacquiao could legally be fighting someone half his age with twice the speed — and all it takes is one wrong punch.
Final Thoughts: Is Amir Tyson Right… Even If He’s the Wrong Messenger?
Look, Amir Tyson isn’t wrong to be concerned about Pacquiao’s health. But given that his own father just got schooled by Jake Paul at 58, the warning lands with a thud of irony.
Pacquiao is an all-time great. No debate there. But greatness doesn’t mean invincibility. If he goes through with this return, he’s not just fighting for a title — he’s gambling with his legacy, his health, and his future.
What’s Your Take?
Should Pacquiao be stepping back in the ring at 46? Is Amir Tyson right — or just a little too late to the safety party?
Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and head over to CMBoxing.co.uk for more opinion pieces that pull no punches. Let’s hear what you think.