Mike Tyson’s much-anticipated boxing match against YouTuber Jake Paul has been postponed following a recent health scare for the former heavyweight champion, organizers announced on Friday.
Tyson experienced nausea and dizziness while flying from Miami to Los Angeles on Sunday, prompting immediate medical attention. This health issue comes less than two months before his scheduled July 20 bout with Paul in Texas.
In a statement released Friday, organizers revealed that Tyson has been advised by doctors to minimize his training due to an “ulcer flare-up” detected during a Thursday check-up. The statement noted, “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.”
Both Tyson and Paul agreed that it’s crucial for both fighters to have adequate training time to ensure they are in peak condition for the match. “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,” the statement continued.
A new date for the fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, will be announced by June 7.
Despite the health scare, Tyson assured fans on Tuesday that he felt “100%” and would be ready for the eventual match. “I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end, you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good,” Tyson declared.
Jake Paul expressed his support for the postponement, stating, “I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night.”
Tyson, who turns 58 this June, was slated to face the 27-year-old Paul in an eight-round professional fight sanctioned by Texas boxing authorities. However, the fight has raised concerns within the boxing community. Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and others have voiced worries about Tyson’s potential risk of injury.
With the new date pending, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how this unexpected twist will play out in the world of boxing.
