Mike Tyson’s much-anticipated return to the ring against YouTuber Jake Paul has been postponed following a recent health scare for the former heavyweight champion, organizers announced on Friday. The 57-year-old Tyson required medical treatment during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles after experiencing nausea and dizziness. This incident occurred just under two months before his scheduled fight with Paul on July 20 in Texas.
Following a follow-up with doctors, it was revealed that Tyson had been struggling with an “ulcer flare-up.” As a result, he has been advised to engage in only minimal training in the coming weeks. Organizers released a statement indicating that Tyson should rest and recover before resuming full training.
“The recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations,” the statement read. “Both Mike and Jake agree that it is only fair to ensure both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important match and compete at the highest level. The health and well-being of athletes is our top priority, and we fully support Mike in taking the necessary time to perform at the level he expects of himself.”
A new date for the fight, which will be streamed live by Netflix, will be announced by June 7.
Tyson, who turns 58 in June, assured fans that he would be in prime condition for the rescheduled bout. “I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time,” Tyson said. “Due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will be back to my full training schedule soon.”
Jake Paul supported the decision to postpone the fight. “I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Paul stated.
The fight, sanctioned by Texas boxing authorities, was set to be a professional bout of eight two-minute rounds. Despite concerns from the boxing community, including former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, Tyson remained confident. “The people who said that wish they were up here. No one else can do this,” Tyson remarked.
Tyson, who last fought professionally in 2005, remains determined to make a successful return to the ring.
