close
close

Tyson vs. Paul: Mega fight postponed after medical incident involving Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will fight on July 21. Photo/Getty Images

The mega boxing match between Mike Tyson and social media star Jake Paul has been postponed after the former heavyweight world champion suffered a medical incident on a flight earlier this week.

A statement reads:

“The highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has unfortunately been postponed. During a follow-up examination on Thursday with doctors regarding his recent stomach ulcer, Mike Tyson was advised to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training without restrictions.

“Both Mike and Jake agree that it is only fair to ensure that both athletes have equal time to train to prepare for this important match and compete at the highest level. The health and wellbeing of the athletes is our top priority and we fully support Mike in taking the time he needs to perform at the level he expects of himself.

AdvertisingAdvertise with NZME.

“Mike is expected to return to his full training regimen in the coming weeks and can’t wait to get back in the ring. MVP expects to reschedule the fight for later this year at AT&T Stadium and we look forward to an exciting and well-prepared contest between these two exceptional athletes. The new date of the fight will be announced by next Friday, June 7th.”

“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to the recurrence of my stomach ulcer, my doctor has advised me to reduce my training for a few weeks to rest and recover,” said Mike Tyson. “My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be returning to my full training program soon. 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 I can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”

“I fully support the postponement of the event so that Mike Tyson has no excuses on fight night,” said Jake Paul. “My fans know that I only want to face Iron Mike at my best, but let’s make no mistake – when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to take my victory with a sensational finish. Paul vs. Tyson will be a fight for the ages and I promise to give my best in this once in a lifetime clash.”

“We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time and wish Mike a speedy recovery. Previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the new date. You do not need to take any action to keep your current tickets and seats. Those unable to attend the new date will be eligible for a refund at the original point of purchase. To request a refund, contact SeatGeek at [email protected] with the subject line “Paul vs. Tyson.”

AdvertisingAdvertise with NZME.

Everything you need to know – Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul

The fight has been sanctioned as a boxing competition and not as an exhibition match; the rounds will be shorter and the gloves will be heavier.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation this month approved the terms and conditions for the July 21 NZT fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Netflix will live stream the fight between 27-year-old Paul, a social media star turned boxer, and 57-year-old Tyson, who has not fought since an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.

A spokesman for the Department of Licensing and Regulation said in an email to the Associated Press that “this will be a professional fight with referees and judges and the results will be included in the fighters’ professional records. So it is a true competitive fight.”

Paul built a significant following as a YouTube influencer before launching a career as a professional boxer four years ago. He won nine of 10 fights with six knockouts against mostly unremarkable opponents, including several mixed martial artists and a fellow YouTuber.

Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from 1987 to 1990. He retired in 2005 after winning 50 fights, 44 of them by knockout.

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul – the rules

The fight is scheduled for eight rounds of two minutes each; most professional men’s fights last three minutes. The boxer’s gloves weigh 14 ounces instead of the usual professional weight of 10 ounces; heavier gloves reduce the power of the punch.

When approving the conditions for fights, the martial arts staff of the department takes into account, among other things, the age of each participant, medical tests, his record and losses by knockout or technical knockout.

AdvertisingAdvertise with NZME.

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul – how to watch

Date: July 21 NZT

Location – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

Start time: to be announced

How to watch – Netflix

Odds for Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul

As of May 15, New Zealand TAB odds for the fight were as follows:

Jack Paul wins: $1.53

AdvertisingAdvertise with NZME.

Mike Tyson wins: $2.35

What does the preliminary fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul look like?

The only announcement so far is that the card will feature a rematch between undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.

How old are Mike Tyson and Jake Paul?

Mike Tyson will be 58 at the time of the fight. He was born in 1966. Jake Paul is 27. He was born in 1997, months after Tyson lost the WBA heavyweight title to Evander Holyfield. Paul was only a few months old when Tyson was disqualified for biting in the rematch against Holyfield. This means there will be a 31-year age difference between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul when they enter the ring.