Netflix's highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match has been postponed less than a week after Tyson suffered a medical incident on a plane.
The fight was postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer recurrence on a flight to Los Angeles on May 26, and a rescheduled date will be announced by June 7, according to the event's promoter, Most Valuable Promotions. The official bout would have been the 57-year-old Tyson's first fight since 2005.
“The highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has unfortunately been postponed,” MVP said in a statement. “Following a follow-up consultation with a medical professional on Thursday regarding a recent ulcer recurrence, Mike Tyson was recommended to engage in minimal to light training over the next few weeks, after which he may return to full training without restrictions.”
Fighters will compete in eight two-minute rounds (traditional professional bouts are usually three minutes long), and boxers' gloves will weigh 14 ounces instead of the standard 10 ounces.
The bout would have marked Netflix's first foray into live boxing and the latest in a long line of live sporting events available through the streaming service, which also streamed the Netflix Cup golf tournament pitting a Formula 1 driver against a professional golfer in November and the Netflix Slam tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz on March 3.
Below is the full press release from Most Valuable Promotions:
The highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has unfortunately been postponed. Following a follow-up appointment with medical professionals on Thursday regarding a recent ulcer recurrence, Mike Tyson was advised to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks, after which he was allowed to return to full training without restrictions.
“Mike and Jake agree that it is fair to ensure that both athletes are given equal training time in preparation for this important match and are able to compete at the highest level. The health and well-being of our athletes is our number one priority, and we fully support Mike in taking the time he needs to perform at the level expected of him.”
Mike plans to return to a full training schedule in the coming weeks and is eager to get back in the ring. MVP plans to reschedule the bout at AT&T Stadium later this year and looks forward to an exciting, well-prepared bout between these two outstanding athletes. A new date for the bout will be announced next Friday, June 7th.
“I would like to thank all my fans around the world for your support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, my ulcer has recurred and my doctors have instructed me to take a few weeks off training to rest and recover,” said Mike Tyson. “My body is in the best shape it has been since the 1990s and I will be back on a full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought me some time, but in the end, I will be knocked out and banned from boxing for good. I thank you all for your patience and can't wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
“I fully support postponing the event so that Mike Tyson has no excuses on fight day,” said Jake Paul. “Fans know I don't want to fight Iron Mike unless I'm at my best, but once he steps in the ring, I will be ready to win with a sensational finish. Paul vs. Tyson will be one for the history books, and I am committed to giving my best in this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
