Mike Tyson ‘ready’ for rescheduled Jake Paul fight following health scare

Mike Tyson has declared himself “ready” for his upcoming bout against Jake Paul, now rescheduled for November 15 after a postponement. Initially set for July 20, the fight was delayed due to Tyson suffering an ulcer flare-up that forced the date change.

The clash is set to take place in the colossal AT&T Stadium in Texas, which can host up to 80,000 spectators. This professional bout will follow a series of stringent rules and conditions.

At 58 years old, Tyson hasn’t stepped into the professional ring since 2005, yet he confidently claims he’s poised to deliver a knockout blow to Paul.

“I encountered a minor setback. I fell ill, but now I’m feeling great. I’m just prepared,” Tyson asserted during a joint press conference on Sunday.

Referring to Paul, Tyson added, “He might have faced opponents with similar intentions, but the reality is far different. Once I catch this guy, it’s over. He’ll run. He’ll run like a thief.”

Despite engaging in an exhibition match against fellow veteran Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, Tyson is still 31 years older than Paul. When questioned about his motivation, Tyson responded, “Because I can. Who else could pull this off but me? We’ve got a YouTuber squaring off against the greatest fighter who ever lived.”

Paul, who is 27 years old and boasts a 10-1 record, stated, “I love Mike and respect him, but we’re not friends until November 15.”

The upcoming fight will consist of eight rounds, each lasting two minutes, with both fighters donning 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard 10-ounce gloves.

Mike Tyson :

Tyson, returning to the ring after a health scare that delayed his comeback, has been a feared figure in boxing history, once regarded as the most dangerous man alive. Despite the risks, Tyson was quick to dismiss concerns during the press conference, saying, “Because I can. Who else can do it but me? Who else is he going to fight to make this happen?” He gestured to the cheering crowd, who had gathered to support the former heavyweight champion while jeering Paul.

“We must face the facts. We’ve got a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter that ever lived,” Tyson stated as the buildup to the rescheduled match on November 15 began in earnest. The match will take place at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Originally scheduled for July 20, the bout was postponed after Tyson experienced nausea and dizziness during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles in May, which his representatives attributed to an ulcer issue.

Tyson mentioned on Sunday that he resumed training two or three weeks ago and is feeling well.

“Hey, listen, I’m just ready,” Tyson reiterated.

Having held the title of undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990, Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) retired in 2005, only to return for an exhibition match against Roy Jones in 2020. Fans were evidently excited for his return, with some being turned away from the press conference due to overcrowding on the final day of the Fanatics Fest event in New York.

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Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) engaged in verbal sparring with the fans who booed him, as much as with Tyson across the stage.

“Hey New York, you’re just like Mike Tyson,” Paul remarked. “You were great 20 years ago.”

Paul recognizes that Tyson’s most dominant days are long past, and he is aware that a victory over such a diminished opponent might not bring much credit. However, the former Disney Channel star, who is determined to become a boxing champion, sees value in fighting Tyson even now.

“Big moments, big pressure, big stages—one of the greatest to ever do it, with more experience and more fights than me. I’m going to learn a lot from this fight and during this training camp,” Paul explained. “This fight is going to help me in my future bouts and everything I aim to achieve.”

Paul accepted another fight after Tyson had to withdraw, defeating bare-knuckle fighting champion Mike Perry in the sixth round on July 20. Like many of Paul’s previous opponents, Perry comes from a mixed martial arts background rather than a boxing one.

Paul preferred to face Tyson initially and is eager for his second chance now.

“I was ready before, you just needed a little break,” Paul teased Tyson. “Is your tummy still hurting?”

The fight, which will be streamed on Netflix, is an official bout, albeit with eight two-minute rounds and heavier gloves than usual. The most authentic boxing match on the card might be the one preceding it when super lightweight champion Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano have a rematch of Taylor’s thrilling victory in 2022, which was the first women’s boxing match to headline Madison Square Garden.

Paul will attempt to showcase what he hopes to become in the boxing world, or perhaps Tyson will prove that he still has something left. Tyson assured that his health issues wouldn’t be an obstacle.

“I faced a minor setback. I got sick, but I’m better,” Tyson concluded. “I feel great.”