Mike Tyson’s highly anticipated fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has been postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up earlier this week, Tyson’s publicist and Netflix announced Friday.
“I would like to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, my doctor advised me to take a few weeks off training to rest and recover,” Tyson said in a statement.
“Overall, my body is in better shape than it has been since the nineties and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, it may have bought you some time, but eventually it will still knock you out and out of the box for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and I can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Paul, who took part in his first boxing match of 2018 after achieving social media stardom, agreed to the postponement to “ensure both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important fight and be able to compete at the highest level “.
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses to come fight tonight,” Paul said in a statement. “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but make no mistake – when he steps in the ring with me, I’ll be ready to get my W with a sensational finish.” Paul vs Tyson will be one for the ages and I promise to bring my best to this once in a lifetime fight.”
The game was scheduled for July 20, streamed exclusively on Netflix at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
Tyson’s publicist said a new date for the tilt will be announced on June 7.
The bout was to be Tyson’s first since facing Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020. in an exhibition bout, and his first professional bout since 2005. The former world heavyweight champion, famous for biting off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear in 1997, is widely known. considered one of the best boxers in history.
Tyson, who will be 58 at the end of June, said his preparations for the fight include giving up both sex and marijuana. And he’s flaunted his chiseled figure in several TV appearances – proof, he says, that he’s still a match for 27-year-old Paul.
