It’s quite surprising to witness Mike Tyson engaging in two distinct activities – one involving him hitting a bong, and the other showcasing his skills in a boxing gym as if preparing for a rematch with Evander Holyfield.

These videos are readily available online, largely due to Tyson’s exceptional self-promotion abilities, which are as impressive as his dominance in the boxing ring.

However, it is crucial for the former heavyweight champion to recognize the significant disparity between these two endeavors. While consuming substantial amounts of marijuana may not pose a lethal threat, returning to the boxing ring at the age of 53 could potentially carry serious risks.

Tyson hasn’t made any official announcements regarding a comeback in the boxing ring. However, in an Instagram post, he did mention the possibility of participating in 3 or 4-round exhibition matches if the financial offer was enticing. Reports from Australia suggest that there are discussions about offering him $1 million to participate in an exhibition against a rugby star or two.

Judging by the internet’s response, there is undoubtedly significant interest. A video of Tyson showcasing his mitt-hitting skills in a gym garnered over 9 million views in just a few days, creating speculation about the capabilities of the aging former champion.

Let’s be honest, Tyson appears to be in great shape, maintaining his explosiveness and formidable power, despite receiving retirement-related correspondence from organizations like AARP. In someone’s imagination, perhaps even his own, he looks fit enough to take on another heavyweight in an actual fight if there was a multi-million dollar offer on the table.

ESPN quoted trainer Rafael Cordeiro, who expressed surprise at Tyson’s performance: “He hasn’t hit mitts for almost 10 years, so I didn’t expect to see what I saw. I saw a guy with the same speed, same power as guys 21, 22 years old.”

Mitt-hitting drills have always been one of Tyson’s strengths. During his teenage years, trainer Cus D’Amato used a numbered system to call out each punch Tyson threw, while an assistant held the mitts and Tyson diligently executed right hands and left hooks.

Having witnessed Tyson’s training for most of his significant fights, I can honestly say that his mitt-hitting sessions remain a crucial part of his preparation. To be frank, there isn’t much difference between his performance in the video at the age of 53 and his form as the heavyweight champion at the age of 23.

The speed Tyson possesses and the power he exhibits are still remarkable, but that is only in the absence of someone challenging him.

Tyson shared the video with the hashtag #stillthebaddestmanontheplanet, which quickly prompted his fans to speculate that he could regain the title of heavyweight champion.

However, that notion is baseless. Considering his age, Tyson would struggle to defeat even an average heavyweight boxer, let alone the cream of a division that was just beginning to flourish before the pandemic disrupted the sport.

While many remember Tyson for his awe-inspiring knockouts during his prime, it’s important to recall that he infamously quit during his last fight 15 years ago, while seated on his stool.

Nonetheless, boxing will eventually make its return, and Tyson continues to captivate even a new generation of fans who only know him through stories passed down by their fathers or videos showcasing his most ferocious moments.

In terms of personal insight, I have witnessed key moments in Tyson’s career. I was present at ringside when he made history by becoming the youngest-ever heavyweight champion by knocking out Trevor Berbick in 1986. I was also there in 2005, in Washington, D.C., when he opted to end the fight after six rounds against a journeyman boxer who wouldn’t have lasted beyond the first round with Tyson during his prime.

Throughout his journey, I had the opportunity to cover Tyson as he made headlines, whether it was his infamous threat to eat Lennox Lewis’ children, the biting incident involving Holyfield’s ear, or his remarkable escapades that took us all on an unparalleled adventure around the world.

Based on my personal experience and observations, I can confidently state that any notions of Mike Tyson legitimately returning to professional boxing are simply unrealistic.

In my opinion, Tyson is likely leveraging his fame and generating attention by teasing his fans with the latest video. It’s undeniable that he has successfully charted a new path in life after boxing, engaging in various endeavors such as acting, a one-man show, a podcast, and now his Tyson Ranch cannabis business.

For someone like Mike Tyson, all forms of publicity, regardless of the context, contribute to maintaining his prominent status. Releasing a video at a time when the world is craving any form of sports undoubtedly generates substantial attention.

An alternative perspective could be that Tyson’s extensive marijuana consumption might be clouding his judgment, leading him to believe he can recapture his past glory.

Alternatively, it’s possible that marijuana is simply sparking his appetite.

Consequently, this may make the idea of a third fight with Holyfield more appealing to him than it truly is.