The much-anticipated scrap between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is on hold, the fight’s promoters have confirmed.
Their bout scheduled to air on Netflix on July 20 has been officially pushed back due to Tyson’s ill health. The boxing legend, 57, previously brushed off his medical emergency mid-flight on Monday, claiming to have already bounced back to full health.
In a sly dig to his opponent, 27-year-old Jake Paul, Tyson quipped he won’t even need to be 100% to see off the challenge in the ring.
READ MORE: Jake Paul was offered staggering deal that would have ruined Mike Tyson fight
Taking to X on Tuesday, he wrote: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”
(Image: Daniel McGregor-Huyer/REX/Shutterstock)
But In a statement from Most Valuable Promotions, they revealed: “The upcoming highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will unfortunately be postponed.
“During a follow up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals on his recent ulcer flare up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations.”
(Image: NetflixUK/X)
They added: “Both Mike and Jake are in agreement that it is only fair to ensure that both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important match and are able to compete at the highest level.
“The health and well-being of athletes is our top priority, and we fully support Mike in taking the necessary time to allow him to perform at the level he expects of himself.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Netflix posted on X: “Unfortunately Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will not face-off on July 20 as planned. Tyson’s recent ulcer flare up has limited his ability to train fully for the next few weeks.
“The fight will be rescheduled for a date later this year after Mike’s able to resume training with no limitations and both fighters can have equal time to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup! Stay tuned for the new fight date to be announced by the end of next week http://tudum.com/paulvstyson.”
The news will be of some comfort to retired British champ, Ricky Hatton who demanded that the fight be cancelled.
(Image: Getty Images for Triller)
The Hitman slammed the bout as “an absolute joke”, claiming it is more “entertainment” than boxing.
Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since 2005, though did have an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr in 2020. He’s been in fighting shape ever since, but has suffered the odd health scare in recent weeks, casting some doubt on whether the clash will go ahead.
Paul, meanwhile, is looking to win his fourth fight on the spin, having bounced back from his defeat to Tommy Fury last year. He’s beaten former UFC ace Nate Diaz, Andre August and most recently Ryan Bourland, but many understandably see his showdown with Tyson as his biggest test yet.