Brazil’s greatest heavyweight boxer, Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues died last Thursday (24) at the age of 66, after suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, also known as dementia pugilistica, related to blows to the head he suffered in above the ring.
Considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Mike Tyson, 58, says that, as he was not punished so much by his opponents on the canvas as a professional, he is not afraid of suffering from the same problem that afflicted the Brazilian and other former boxers .
“I haven’t been hit that much in my career [como o Maguila]. I’m always protecting myself when I’m fighting. That comes first,” Tyson told Sheetin an online interview to promote the fight against influencer Jake Paul on November 15th, in the United States.
The American fighter was surprised by the death of his Brazilian contemporary and praised him for his polite attitude behind the scenes. “Wow, really? He died? I’m sorry to hear that,” said Tyson when informed by the report about the death of the Aracaju-born heavyweight.
“He didn’t take enough hits to die of dementia, did he? He was only knocked out twice or something?”, questioned Tyson — Maguila built, in fact, a record of 85 fights and just 7 defeats, with all setbacks by knockout or technical knockout. The American former heavyweight champion appeared 58 times, with 6 defeats, five by knockout or technical knockout and one by disqualification – the famous bite on Evander Holyfield’s ear.
“He was always a good guy, always a gentleman. He never came across as a tough guy, a bad guy. He was always kind,” Tyson said.
He also recalled meeting Maguila for the first time when the Brazilian faced — and was knocked out — by George Foreman, in 1990, on the preliminary card of the fight between Tyson and Henry Tillman, in Las Vegas. “I wish the best for your family and I’m sorry this happened.”
As a way to minimize the symptoms of the disease, Maguila was undergoing treatment based on cannabidiol, a substance derived from marijuana, a plant that “Iron Mike” has admittedly used for years in search of a better quality of life — he even has a series of businesses related to the market. cannabis, with the sale of various products under the Tyson 2.0 brand.
“[A maconha] changed my whole life. I wouldn’t be boxing, I wouldn’t be doing exhibitions if it weren’t for cannabis,” said Tyson, adding that he continues to use the medicinal plant even during training periods.
“I have to use [mesmo durante a fase de preparação para as lutas]why not? She inspires me to train even harder”, said the boxer, who is facing influencer Jake Paul – who has 27 million followers on Instagram – in a fight scheduled for eight two-minute rounds at the AT&T Stadium, in Texas. The fight will be broadcast on Netflix.
Tyson stated that, despite the age difference —Paul is 27 years old and comes from victories against former UFC fighters, including Brazilian Anderson Silva—, he feels good and in full shape to face the influencer, who has a record of ten victories and just one defeat. The only setback so far, due to a split decision by the referees, happened in early 2023 against Tommy Fury, professional boxer and brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
“I’m capable of doing this. I’m still fighting well. I’m looking good, training well. I box eight rounds, twice a week. I’m ready,” said Tyson, who already had to postpone his fight against Jake Paul once, initially scheduled for July 20, following a medical recommendation.
He also said that he will prove that the bookmakers, who indicate Jake Paul’s favoritism, are wrong. “Jake is going to be crushed,” said Tyson, adding that he intends to knock out his opponent in the ring.
Trained in recent months for the fight by Rafael Cordeiro, best known for preparing MMA athletes such as Fabrício Werdum, Tyson stated that the Brazilian trainer’s work and knowledge related to the noble art is underestimated by people. “He’s very impressive, really good. That’s why he’s with me. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be.”
With a purse speculated to be around US$20 million (R$115.6 million), the heavyweight also stated that money is not the reason why he is back in the ring once again. “This money is not going to change my lifestyle in any way. It’s not going to change the way I live my life.”
It is estimated that Tyson accumulated US$400 million (R$2.3 billion, at current prices) in prizes at his peak as a professional. In the early 2000s, however, the boxer declared bankruptcy, after a life of luxury that even included breeding Siberian tigers. Today, his fortune is estimated at around US$10 million (R$58 million), coming mainly from the marijuana business and, more recently, from exhibition fights.
