Jake Paul Quashes Speculation of Mike Tyson Fight Cancellation as Boxers Line Up to Fill in for the Legend
Mike Tyson’s medical episode during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles has not changed the status of his fight with Jake Paul, the YouTuber turned boxer confirmed.
The 58-year-old boxing legend became “nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing” on Monday AEST, his publicist’s office said in a statement.
Tyson is preparing to fight the 27-year-old social media performer in July at the 80,000-seat home of the Dallas Cowboys. Netflix will carry the fight live, a first for the streaming platform.
There was some doubt about the fight going ahead with a number of other fighters reaching out to Paul to see if a replacement fighter is needed.
Paul said that “nothing changed” relating to the status of their bout.
“You love to make shit up before knowing the facts for clicks/likes,” he also posted.
Tyson’s scare prompted controversial boxer Ryan Garcia to step in – despite his ongoing PED scandal.
“If you down to fight, if Mike can’t do it, let me know I will fill in,” Garcia told Paul in a private message which he shared on social media on Monday.
Former Australian world champion Sakio Bika also put his hand up to replace Tyson if he’s forced to withdraw.
“At the moment, I am staying in shape and ready if the right offer comes my way,” he said.
“I have reached the top of the sport, becoming a multiple-time world champion and winning the prestigious Contender series.
“I have nothing more to prove to anyone, but I would like to have one more big fight.
“If someone like Jake Paul or his brother would really like to test himself against a recent world champion, I am always ready to fight.
“Mike Tyson is an all time great boxer; he was hero of mine growing up, and even though he looks in great shape, he is almost 60 years of age!
“If Jake Paul is serious about fighting a former champion, look for someone a lot younger or active within the last decade. I can fight Jake Paul at any weight he wants.”
If the bout still goes ahead, Tyson will likely go into the event as a big underdog, with the former heavyweight champ paying $2.54 for the win while Jake Paul is priced as the favourite at a $1.48 at Sportsbet.
