In the aftermath of Mike Tyson’s recent disappointing performance in the ring, his trainer, renowned boxing coach Rafael Cordeiro, has finally broken his silence. Cordeiro, who has worked with Tyson for several years, addressed the media about the former world champion’s struggles in his most recent exhibition fight, where Tyson’s performance fell short of the expectations many had for the legendary fighter.
Tyson, now 57 years old, returned to the ring for a high-profile exhibition match against former world champion Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. While the bout was billed as an exhibition, meaning there were no judges’ decisions, many fans and critics hoped to see a glimpse of the old Tyson— the ferocious, fearsome heavyweight who once ruled the boxing world with an iron fist. However, the fight left many underwhelmed, with Tyson looking slow and unable to recapture the explosive power that made him famous.
In an exclusive interview, Cordeiro offered his perspective on Tyson’s performance, acknowledging that the fight didn’t go as well as expected but also providing insight into the challenges Tyson faces at this stage of his career. “It’s important to understand that Mike is 57 years old. He’s not the young, hungry lion that he was in the ’80s,” Cordeiro said. “His body is different now, and he’s not going to move the same way he did in his prime. But that doesn’t mean he’s not still a force. He’s still got that heart, that killer instinct. What people saw in that ring wasn’t the real Mike Tyson. It was just a shadow of what he once was.”
Cordeiro also addressed some of the external factors that might have influenced Tyson’s performance, including the long layoff from professional boxing. Tyson had been away from the sport for over 15 years before making his comeback in 2020. “Mike was dealing with a lot of personal demons and physical limitations before he came back,” Cordeiro explained. “We worked hard to get him in shape, but there’s only so much you can do with a body that’s been through so much over the years. What people don’t understand is that Mike’s mind is still sharp. It’s just that his body is not as quick to respond to those impulses anymore.”
Despite the disappointment surrounding the exhibition match, Cordeiro remains confident in Tyson’s abilities. He stressed that Tyson’s passion for the sport is still very much alive. “Mike has always had that fire, and it’s something you can’t teach. We still see glimpses of that old Tyson in the gym. It’s just going to take time to get back to where he was. He’s not done yet,” Cordeiro said.
While Tyson’s recent performance may not have lived up to the lofty expectations of fans hoping for a vintage showing, Cordeiro’s comments suggest that the boxing legend’s journey is far from over. Whether Tyson will continue to fight professionally or focus on training and mentoring younger talent remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Tyson’s legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time is secure, and despite the disappointments, his love for the sport endures.
As Tyson’s future in the ring remains uncertain, his trainer’s candid reflections provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges the former champion faces in his comeback journey. The world may not have seen the old Tyson in the ring last time, but Cordeiro’s words suggest that there could still be moments of greatness left in the legendary heavyweight.
