The so-called novelty fight of the century is up in the air. Jake Paul has expressed doubts about his fight with Mike Tyson happening after the boxing legend withdrew due to a stomach ulcer flare-up. The highly anticipated bout, initially scheduled for July 20, has been postponed to November 15. In the meantime, Paul will face former UFC star and bare-knuckle boxing champion Mike Perry next month.
Iron Mike Tyson intends to resume training soon for the rescheduled fight, but he has remained relatively silent since pulling out. Paul provided an update to The New York Post, saying, “If Tyson wants it, I’m down. The keys are in his hands. It would be such an honor to step in there with him. Mike Tyson is the one who wanted it to be a professional fight. He’s saying he’s fine [despite the problem], he’s saying he’s ready, and all of these things. We’re not Mike Tyson’s dad. We’re not his boss. If Mike Tyson wants the fight, it would be my honor, and I’m down to do it.”
The YouTuber turned boxer added, “He’s ready to go; he just needed a couple of weeks, so he’s back to training. We’re all just praying and hoping that everything is good and that he stays healthy. That’s first and foremost. He’s Mike Tyson at the end of the day. He has lethal knockout power and is very, very experienced. I think it is going to be a brawl regardless.”
Whether the fight will ultimately take place remains uncertain, but Paul remains open and enthusiastic about the possibility.
