Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Fight Postponed
The highly anticipated and much-debated boxing bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been postponed.
The brawl was supposed to take place on July 20 and live-streamed on Netflix, but due to a health issue, Tyson has been ordered by docs to take it easy—which means no training for the next few weeks.
Promoters said that the former heavyweight champion Tyson is following doctors’ recommendations to do minimal to light training for a few weeks after a recent medical episode.
Tyson, 57, experienced nausea and dizziness on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles on Sunday, which his reps attributed to his ulcer.
The Tyson vs. Paul fight was sanctioned as a professional bout, scheduled for eight two-minute rounds in the heavyweight division with 14-ounce gloves. Tyson, 57, hasn’t won a professional boxing match since 2003 but has a chance to break that streak by defeating YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul. If and when they do step into the ring, it will set a record for the largest age gap in professional boxing history, with Tyson turning 58 on June 30 and Paul being 27.
Some boxing fans have taken issue with Paul fighting “a senior citizen” (not our words), while others think Tyson will rock Paul’s world in the ring and that 31-year age gap won’t matter—it’s Mike Tyson, after all.
Tyson was once thought to be the most feared man on the planet and dominated boxing as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. He started his professional career with an impressive 37-0 record, including 33 knockouts and four unanimous decision victories. Tyson ended his career with a record of 50-6, including two no-contests.
As for Paul’s professional record, he is 9-1, with six knockouts, with wins against former MMA stars such as Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice), Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. His sole defeat was a split decision loss to professional boxer Tommy Fury, the younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. He’s no slouch, but he’s also no Mike Tyson.
Paul vs Tyson update. pic.twitter.com/7jPUN5KeSq
— Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 31, 2024
The statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) said the following:
“The upcoming highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will unfortunately be postponed. 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.
“Both Mike and Jake agree that it is only fair to ensure that both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important match and are able to compete at the highest level. The health and well-being of athletes is our top priority, and we fully support Mike in taking the necessary time to allow him to perform at the level he expects of himself.
“Mike is expected to return to his full training schedule in the coming weeks and is eager to get back in the ring. MVP anticipates rescheduling the match to 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.”
The press release also contained quotes from both Tyson and Paul about the fight’s postponement.
“I want 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 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 back to my full training schedule 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.”
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” said Jake Paul. “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.”
MVP, which is Paul’s production company, went on to thank fans for their understanding and patience during this time and wished Tyson a quick and restful recovery.
Tickets that have already been purchased will be valid for the new date, so those who were scheduled to attend the fight can hold on to their current tickets and seat locations. But if you cannot attend the rescheduled event, MVP is offering refunds at the original point of purchase. For refund requests, contact SeatGeek at [email protected] with “Paul vs. Tyson” in the subject line.
According to MVP, the fight, which was announced in March, will still be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be streamed on Netflix, which is co-producing the bout with the promo company.
