(AP) – Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul has been postponed after the 57-year-old fell ill during a flight last weekend.
Tyson and Paul said Friday they would announce a new fight date next week. They were scheduled to meet on July 20 in Arlington, Texas.
Tyson suffered from nausea and dizziness during the final hour of a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last Sunday, and first responders on his plane attended to the former heavyweight champion. Tyson’s camp attributed the incident to an ulcer problem.
“During a follow-up consultation with medical professionals on Thursday regarding a recent ulcer, it was recommended for Mike Tyson to perform minimal or light training for the next several weeks and then return to full training without restrictions,” the fight’s promoters said in a statement.
Tyson hasn’t fought professionally since June 2005, but he has been training regularly for several years. He fought Roy Jones Jr. in a fun exhibition in Los Angeles in November 2020.
“My body is in the best shape it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training program soon,” Tyson said in the statement. “Jake Paul, this may buy you some time, but ultimately you will be out of boxing forever. I appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to delivering an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Texas boxing officials have legalized the fight between Tyson and Paul, which includes eight 2-minute rounds and unusually heavy gloves. Tyson will turn 58 before the bout, which is set to stream on Netflix, is expected to earn both boxers a hefty payday.
Promoters said tickets already purchased for the fight, which will take place at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium, will be valid on the new fight date. The rescheduled fight is also expected to take place in Arlington.
Paul, 27, is a YouTube star who has built a successful award-winning career competing against mixed martial artists and experienced boxers.
“I fully support postponing this event so that Mike Tyson has no excuses on fight night,” Paul said. “My fans know I never want to face Iron Mike at anything other than his best, but make no mistake: when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim victory with a sensational finish.”
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