Legendary boxer “Iron” Mike Tyson will have to wait a little longer before competing in his first official bout since 2005.
Tyson and social media influencer and boxer Jake Paul announced that the bout would be postponed to a new date on June 7 after Tyson fell ill on a flight. The two were scheduled to fight on July 20 in Arlington, Texas.
The 57-year-old man's ulcer worsened during the flight on May 26, causing him to become nauseous and dizzy 30 minutes before landing, and paramedics had to pick him up when the plane landed.
“Following follow-up consultations with medical experts on Thursday regarding a recent ulcer recurrence, Mike Tyson has been advised to undertake minimal to light training over the next few weeks before returning to full training without restrictions,” the fight promoters said in a statement.
The Tyson-Paul boxing bout has been criticized by many for the 30-year age gap between the two fighters, the longest age gap in professional boxing history: Tyson turned 58 on June 30, and Paul is 27.
“My body is in the best shape it has been since the 1990s and I plan to return to a full training schedule soon,” Tyson said in a statement. “Jake Paul, this may have bought me some time, but ultimately I will be knocked out and banned from boxing for good. I thank you all for your patience and can't wait to put on an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Tyson's final professional fight was against Kevin McBride in June 2005 at what is now the Capital One Arena (then the MCI Center) in Washington, D.C. Tyson lost the bout and retired with a 50-6 record. After starting his career with a 45-1 record, he won just five of his final 12 fights, with five losses and two no-contests.
Tyson recently fought Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition bout, but the November 2020 bout ended in a draw.
“I fully support postponing the event so that Mike Tyson has no excuses on fight day,” Paul said in a statement. “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 promise to give my best in this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
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Jake Paul rose to fame as a social media icon alongside his brother Logan, who fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in an exhibition bout. Jake won each of his first six career fights against non-boxers, some of whom were involved in other martial arts, before losing to Tommy Fury. Since then, he has defeated UFC fighter Nate Diaz and lesser known boxers Ryan Borland and Andre August.
The Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight will be streamed live for the first time on Netflix.
