The July 20 match between boxing legend Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been postponed after Tyson experienced a medical issue Sunday while on a cross-country flight, the event promoter announced Friday.
Tyson, 57, and the 27-year-old Paul, a YouTube star-turned-fighter, were scheduled for a bout in Arlington, Texas, to be streamed on Netflix. A new date will be announced on June 7, said Most Valuable Promotions, with AT&T Stadium still expected to be the site.
“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,” read a statement from Most Valuable Promotions, Paul’s promotional company.
“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 statement continued. “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.”
Tyson was flying from Miami to Los Angeles when he required medical attention about 30 minutes before the airplane landed.
“Now feeling 100 percent even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul,” Tyson posted on X on Tuesday, but reconsidered his readiness in a statement Thursday.
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time,” Tyson said in the statement. “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. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
The heavyweight bout will be officially sanctioned for eight two-minute rounds with the fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves. Tyson will be 58 on June 30.
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Jake Paul said. “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake — when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Paul vs Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
The most recent fight for Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) came on Nov. 28, 2020, in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) was on the undercard that night and knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson. Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since 2005.
–Field Level Media
