The boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and influencer Jake Paul has been postponed from its original July 20 date, Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions announced Friday.
The news comes days after it was reported that Tyson, 57, suffered a medical scare on a plane, which was later identified as an ulcer outbreak. While Tyson tweeted that he felt 100% afterwards, a follow-up consultation recommended that he only do minimal or light training for the next few weeks.
Tyson and Paul have reportedly agreed to postpone the fight, which will be streamed on Netflix, to ensure a level playing field. Their boxing match is now expected to be rescheduled for later in the year at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a new date announced next Friday.
Previously purchased tickets will be accepted for the new date, while fans unable to attend will be eligible for a refund with SeatGeek.
Tyson’s comment from the ad:
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, my doctor recommended that I lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover,” Mike Tyson said. “My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will soon be returning to my full training program. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing forever. “I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
And Paul:
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Jake Paul said. “My fans know that I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything less than his best, but make no mistake: when he gets in the ring with me, I’ll be ready to claim my victory with a sensational finish. Paul vs Tyson will be one forever and I promise to do my best in this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
Whenever the two step into the ring, it will be the largest age difference in a professional fight in boxing history, with Paul 31 years younger at 27 years old.
The fight is the biggest event yet in Paul’s lucrative quest to make a name for himself in the boxing world by fighting a group of former MMA fighters, unknown boxers and men more than a decade his senior. His record currently stands at 9-1, and his only loss was a split decision against Tommy Fury.
Tyson hasn’t competed in a professional fight since 2005 and hasn’t won one since 2003, although he fought fellow great Roy Jones Jr. to a draw in a 2020 exhibition fight. His record remains 50-6, with 44 wins by KO and two no contest.