Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul was postponed after Tyson, 57, fell ill on a flight last weekend.
Tyson and Paul said on Friday they will announce a new fight date next week. They were scheduled to meet on July 20 in Arlington, Texas.
Tyson became sick and dizzy during the last hour of a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last Sunday, and his plane was met by first responders who tended to the former heavyweight champion. Tyson’s team attributed the episode to an ulcer problem.
“During a follow-up appointment on Thursday with medical professionals regarding his recent ulcer outbreak, the recommendation is that Mike Tyson undertake minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training without limitations,” the fight promoters said. . said in a statement.
Tyson has not fought professionally since June 2005, but has been training regularly for several years. He fought Roy Jones Jr. in an entertaining exhibition in Los Angeles in November 2020.
“My body is in better shape overall than it has been since the 1990s and I will be returning to my full training schedule soon,” Tyson said in the statement. “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 I can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Texas boxing authorities sanctioned Tyson’s encounter with Paul as a legitimate fight with eight 2-minute rounds and unusually heavy gloves. Tyson will turn 58 before the fight, which was scheduled to be broadcast on Netflix, in what will likely be a big payday for both fighters.
Tickets already purchased for the fight, which would be held at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, will be honored on the new fight date, promoters said. The rescheduled fight is also expected to be in Arlington.
Paul, 27, is a YouTube star who has built a successful boxing career primarily against mixed martial arts fighters and professional boxers.
“I fully support postponing the event so that Mike Tyson has no excuses on fight night,” said Paul. “My fans know that I don’t want to face Iron Mike in any way other than his best, but make sure there are no mistakes: when he gets in the ring with me, I’ll be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish.”
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AP Boxing:
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