Former WBC super middleweight champion Sakio Bika has claimed he is ready to fight Jake Paul if Mike Tyson is forced to withdraw from the bout.
Despite their significant age difference of 30 years, it was recently announced that the two will face off in Texas on July 20th.
However, although Tyson and Paul insist on continuing their showdown, there is still a chance that the deal could fall through.
It was revealed over the weekend that Iron Mike will need to pass two tests before returning to the ring due to his age.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are currently scheduled to fight in July
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The 57-year-old has been asked to submit “favorable results” from an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (EKG), according to USA Today.
EEF is used to evaluate brain disorders, and electrocardiograms are used to detect heart problems.
Further testing may be required if the boxing chief deems it necessary.
Vika then told World Boxing News that he offered to step in if Tyson was forced to withdraw from the contest.
“At the moment I'm keeping myself fit and ready in case the right offer comes along,” he said.
“I reached the pinnacle of the sport, becoming a multiple world champion and winning the prestigious Contender Series.
“I don't have anything more to prove to anyone, but I want to play another big match.
“If someone like Jake Paul or his brother really wants to test himself against a recent world champion, I'm always ready to fight.
“Mike Tyson is the greatest boxer of all time. He was my hero growing up. He looks very healthy, but he's almost 60 years old.
“If Jake Paul is serious about fighting a former champion, look for someone younger or someone who has been active within the last 10 years. I can fight Jake Paul at any weight he wants.”
Paul made a name for himself as a YouTuber before taking up boxing.
The 27-year-old has a polarizing personality and a strong personality.
And Vika admitted that she has conflicting views on the matter, adding:
“There's more attention on the sport, but it's become a joke because most YouTubers are fighting each other or trying to bring long-retired greats out of retirement.”
Meanwhile, Tyson hit back hard at those who criticized his fight with Paul.
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Sakio Bika is ready to replace Mike Tyson in boxing match with Jake Paul
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The boxing icon insists he remains the big draw and believes skeptics are simply “jealous” of him.
“I'm 58 years old, so what? You get billions of views just by talking to someone about fighting,” he told Reuters.
“Everyone is jealous, including most athletes, and it's terrible.
“They say they didn’t even get a million people in their heyday, dude.
“What are you talking about? You couldn't sell out an arena. Who at 58 years old can sell out an 80,000-seat arena?”
Mike Tyson brands critics 'jealous' ahead of fight with Jake Paul
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“Why do you think he wants to fight me and not anyone else? Everyone wants to fight him, every boxer wants to fight him.
“But if he fights them, the only people who will come are people who like him.
“Other players and their parents may not be there to watch it, it just keeps it real.
“It's too boring for children to watch. It's like watching grass grow.”
