Tyson’s boxing match with Paul postponed due to health issues

Legendary boxer “Iron” Mike Tyson will have to wait a while longer to box in his first official fight since 2005.

Tyson and social media influencer/boxer Jake Paul announced they will postpone their match to a new date announced June 7 after the former fell ill on a flight. They were supposed to fight on July 20 in Arlington, Texas.

The 57-year-old became “nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing” on a May 26 flight, and first responders had to meet him upon landing.

“During a follow up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals on his recent ulcer flare-up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations,” the fight’s promoters said in a statement.

Tyson and Paul’s boxing match has been criticized by many due to the 30-year age gap between the fighters, which is the largest for a fight in professional boxing history. Tyson will turn 58 June 30, and Paul is 27.

“My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will be back to my full training schedule soon,” Tyson said in the statement. “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.”

Tyson’s last professional fight was against Kevin McBride in June 2005 at the now-known Capital One Arena, then known as the MCI Center, in Washington, D.C. Tyson lost that fight and retired after with a record of 50-6. He only won five out of his last 12 career fights with five losses and two no-contests after starting his career 45-1.

Tyson did recently fight Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match, but the fight was scored a draw in the November 2020 bout.

“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Paul said in a statement. “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake — when 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 bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”

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Jake Paul rose to fame as a social media icon along with his brother Logan, who boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr. in an exhibition. Jake won his first six career fights, all against non-boxers, some of whom were involved in other combat sports, before losing to Tommy Fury. Since then, he beat UFC fighter Nate Diaz and lesser-known boxers Ryan Bourland and Andre August.

Tyson and Jake Paul’s fight will be live-streamed on Netflix in a first for the platform.