The boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and social media influencer Jake Paul has been postponed from its original date of July 20, Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions announced Friday.
The news comes days after Tyson, 57, reportedly suffered a medical scare on a plane, later identified as a flare-up of a stomach ulcer. While Tyson tweeted that he felt 100% in the aftermath, in a follow-up consultation he was advised to do only minimal to light training for the next few weeks.
Tyson and Paul reportedly agreed to push back 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 this year at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a new date to be announced next Friday.
Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date, while fans who cannot attend will be eligible for a refund from SeatGeek.
Tyson’s comment, from the announcement:
“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, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten up my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is generally in better shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training regimen soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. 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 that Mike Tyson has no excuses for fight night. My fans know that I only want to meet Iron Mike at his best, but make no mistake about it: if he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Paul vs. Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to give my best to this unique matchup.
When the two enter the ring, it will be the biggest age difference in a professional fight in boxing history, with Paul 31 years younger and 27 years old. Tyson turns 58 in June.
While both sides expressed confidence that the fight will still happen, Paul’s brother Logan may have allayed some fears behind closed doors by offering to step in for Tyson and fight his brother if the Hall of Famer were to drop out .
The fight is the biggest event yet in Paul’s lucrative quest to make a name for himself in boxing by fighting a collection of former MMA fighters, obscure boxers and men more than a decade older than himself. His record currently stands at 9-1, with his only loss coming in a split decision against Tommy Fury.
Tyson has not competed in a professional fight since 2005 and has not won one since 2003. He fought against colleague Roy Jones Jr. to a draw in an exhibition fight in 2020. His record remains 50-6, with 44 wins by KO and two no-contests.
