Former mixed martial arts star Chael Sonnen claims he will step in for boxing legend Mike Tyson if the Tyson is unable to face Jake Paul later this year.
Millions of fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the showdown between these two.
But concerns over Tyson were raised earlier this week after it emerged that the 57-year-old was experiencing health scares.
His representative confirmed that his ulcer had worsened on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
I think Jake Paul was smart to write me into his contract as Tyson's backup, wasn't he?
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) May 27, 2024
“Thankfully, Mr. Tyson is in good health,” they told the New York Post.
“30 minutes before landing, my ulcer got worse and I felt nauseous and dizzy.
“He is grateful to the medical staff who were there to help him.”
Paul has since insisted the Tyson bout will go ahead as scheduled, refuting criticism from fans in the process.
But Sonnen says he is under contract to take Tyson's place if he is forced to withdraw from the bout.
He wrote to X: “I think Jake Paul was smart to write me into his contract as Tyson's backup, wasn't he?”
However, Sonnen isn't the only one hoping for a chance to face Paul.
Ryan Garcia, who is currently fighting to prove his innocence after recently failing a drug test, said he is prepared to step in as well.
“If you want to fight. If Mike can't do it, let me know and I'll do it for you,” he told Paul on social media.
But Paul fired back, saying: “Everyone is doing everything they can to ruin this fight and attack me and you should know that.”
Garcia has previously said he would welcome the chance to fight Paul and claims he was the one who taught the 27-year-old boxer to box in the first place.
“I can't do this. I'm so sorry I introduced Jake Paul to boxing,” he said.
“I messed up and I can't let this happen. He's disrespecting my sport, he's disrespecting everything.”
“Call my team, Jake. Fuck you. I'm going to put an end to this Jake Paul boxing thing.
“Go ahead, Jake. I'm gonna fucking kill you. Call my team.”
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Mike Tyson could be replaced in upcoming fight with Jake Paul
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As things stand, Tyson is expected to take part in the bout.
And at a press conference earlier this month, the former heavyweight star said he was eager to shock the sporting world.
When asked about his decision to fight Paul, he said it was a “no thought.”
“He's a hot new guy on the scene.
“I love to shake up the sports world and that's what I'm doing now.
Mike Tyson is “in good spirits” despite recent health scare as fight with Jake Paul approaches
Reuters
“I just want to get on with it.”
He added: “Nobody else can do this. Who else can shut down the sports world? Nobody else.”
