Mike Tyson posed with Brazilian legend Ronaldo to show off his physique as he looks to overcome health issues and finally clash with Jake Paul. Tyson had been fiercely preparing for his in-ring comeback but health complications led to the delay of his bout with the YouTuber-turned-prizefighter.
Originally, 'Iron Mike' was slated to face off against Paul on July 20. However, due to an unexpected ulcer flare-up rendering Tyson medically unfit, the controversial bout was postponed until November 15.
Photos have now emerged of Tyson posing with fellow sports icon Ronaldo. The forward is one of the greatest to ever play football, starring for the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid while he was a two-time World Cup champion with Brazil in 1994 and 2002.
Towards the end of his glittering but injury-hampered career, Ronaldo gained weight. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner weighed almost 300 lbs at one stage, but the 47-year-old appeared in fine fettle as he stood alongside Tyson.
Tyson also seemed healthier. Earlier this month, he officially withdrew from the original date after suffering a health scare as his ulcer flared up on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
Tyson captioned the photo: "El Fenómeno with Iron Mike" (Image: INSTAGRAM @miketyson)
The former undisputed heavyweight champion felt nauseous and dizzy, and required medical attention. Paramedics eventually boarded the plane to treat him after it landed in LA.
As a result, Tyson has been forced to delay his showdown with Paul. The fight had been widely criticised throughout the buildup due to the age gap between the two rivals, although Tyson has been speaking positively since his health scare as he still eyes a victory.
After the fight was delayed, Tyson said in a statement: “Although we had to postpone the fight, I will resume training shortly. I am thankful to the medical staff that treated me and to MVP, Netflix, and AT&T Stadium for working diligently to find the best reschedule date for all parties. While we have a new date, the result will be the same no matter when we fight. Jake Paul is getting knocked out. On Friday, November 15, watch this in-person at AT&T Stadium or live on Netflix.”
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will finally clash later this year (Image: GETTY)
Stepping back into the ring against Paul, Tyson is set to make a momentous comeback decades after retiring from professional boxing midway through a match against Kevin McBride. The former heavyweight titan's last fight was an eight-round, unscored exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr just four years ago.
Paul, who boasts a professional record of 9-1 including a knock-out victory over Ryan Bourland, will go toe-to-toe with Tyson in eight, two-minute rounds. As per regulation, Tyson must pass a series of brain and heart scans to compete.
The anticipated bout between Paul and Tyson has been rescheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium. The undercard will feature women's boxing trailblazer Katie Taylor in a rematch against Amanda Serrano, and former UFC standout Darren Till squaring off against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
