Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul has been postponed after 57-year-old Tyson fell ill during a flight last weekend.
Tyson and Paul said Friday they will announce a new fight date next week. They were scheduled to meet on July 20 in Arlington, Texas.
Tyson became nauseous and dizzy during the last hour of a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last Sunday, and his plane was met by first responders tending to the former heavyweight champion. Tyson’s camp attributed the episode to an ulcer problem.
“During a follow-up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals regarding his recent flare-up of a stomach ulcer, Mike Tyson is recommended to perform minimal to light training for the next few weeks and then return to full training without restrictions,” the fight promoters said. said in a statement.
Tyson has not fought professionally since June 2005, but has been training regularly for a number of years. He fought Roy Jones Jr. during an entertaining exhibition in Los Angeles in November 2020.
“My body is generally in better shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will soon be able to return to my full training regimen,” Tyson said in the statement. “Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but at the end of the day you’re still going to 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.”
Boxing officials in Texas have labeled Tyson’s meeting with Paul as a legitimate fight involving eight two-minute rounds and unusually heavy gloves. Tyson will turn 58 before the fight, which was scheduled to stream on Netflix on what would likely be a huge payday for both fighters.
Tickets already purchased for the fight, which was to be held at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium, will be honored on the new fight date, the promoters said. The rescheduled fight is also expected to take place in Arlington.
The fight on the card was a highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for Taylor’s undisputed junior welterweight championship, a rematch of their seminal fight in May 2022 at Madison Square Garden.
Representatives for Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, which is promoting the card, did not immediately respond to a message from the Guardian asking about the status of the Taylor-Serrano fight in light of Tyson and Paul’s postponement.
Paul, 27, is a YouTube star who has built a successful career as a prize fighter, mainly competing against mixed martial artists and journeyman boxers.
“I fully support postponing the event so that Mike Tyson has no excuses for fight night,” Paul said. “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.”