Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, is facing heightened injury risks ahead of his rescheduled bout against Jake Paul on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Veteran cutwoman Sammy Morris has issued a stern warning about Tyson’s vulnerability to cuts, highlighting concerns that could impact his performance in the ring.

The highly anticipated fight was initially set for July 20 but was postponed due to Tyson’s ulcer flare-up, which rendered him medically unfit to compete. With Tyson now set to make his return to professional boxing at 58 years old, medical experts have expressed serious concerns regarding his health and safety.

Dr. Stephen Hughes, a Senior Lecturer in Medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, has warned that Tyson, being both older and a recovering alcoholic, faces an increased risk of developing subdural hematoma, a potentially fatal brain bleed. This added risk compounds the already significant concerns about Tyson’s health given his age.

Sammy Morris, who has extensive experience as a cutwoman in bare-knuckle and gloved boxing as well as MMA, has pointed out another critical issue: Tyson’s susceptibility to cuts. According to Morris, the natural aging process results in thinning of the epidermis and a reduction in collagen and elastin production. These factors make the skin more fragile and less resilient, increasing the likelihood of cuts and prolonging the healing process.

“The epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, becomes thinner with age, and the decreased production of elastin and collagen means that facial bones are less protected and more prone to injury from punches,” Morris explained to talkSPORT.com. “At 58, Tyson is at a high risk of getting cut, and the healing process will also be substantially longer.”

Historically, Tyson has managed to avoid severe cuts in his fights, but he has experienced close calls, such as a sparring incident in 1990 where he required 48 stitches. Given these risks and the added concerns related to his age and health, Tyson’s upcoming fight against the younger and relatively less experienced Jake Paul is fraught with potential challenges.

As Tyson prepares for his return to the ring, the boxing community and fans alike will be watching closely to see how these risks impact his performance. The bout against Paul promises to be a high-stakes event, with Tyson aiming to overcome significant hurdles to prove his enduring prowess in the sport.