Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson has been called off for a later date, but should the Problem Child go ahead with it?
Tyson was on course to box Paul on July 20. It was meant to be an eight-round fight with 14-ounce gloves. The rounds would be for two minutes, with the result going on their pro record. While that may have been the case, Tyson withdrew following a health issue. Reports indicated that Tyson felt unwell during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. The flight was delayed for two hours as Tyson received medical help. His team revealed that he had an ulcer, which then flared up, causing the fight to be postponed.
Paul vs. Tyson
“Obviously, devastating news. I’m heartbroken. I’m speechless, gutted. We’ve been working so hard over here, everyone in this camp. I just feel bad for everyone involved in this event, the whole undercard. This was an opportunity ripped from all of us. I do value Mike’s health first and foremost. [And] I love that guy and have so much respect for him.
“I want Mike to be healthy. He says he still is going to knock me out, and I bought myself some time, so Mike is still talking…[rubbish]. Mike, if you still want to do this like you said behind close doors behind the scenes, thank you. You just need a little bit of time, so I’m ready whenever you are. This is too big of an opportunity. I think this fight is going to change the world,” Jake Paul revealed
Although Paul will announce a new date on June 7, he may be better off pulling out from the fight: here’s why. A fight against Tyson does nothing for his legacy. Paul has spoken about his desire to become a world champion and target a fight with Canelo Alvarez.
Paul’s Problem
Victory against a 58-year-old Tyson is expected. That places all the pressure on Paul to perform, knowing that Mike has now had health problems. A defeat damages his brand and prevents him from becoming a boxing cash cow, which he has now developed.
Tyson’s health must be a priority. Evander Holyfield made a comeback at the same age as Tyson in 2021. He boxed Victor Belfort. It was clear from the opening bell that Holyfield was not the same fighter. His reaction times were much slower, as he was dropped in the first round. The continual punishment forced the referee to wave off the fight.
The same thing could happen to Paul, who is facing one of the best, or Tyson, given his old age. Boxers have already passed away this year, showing the dangers of the sport. Ardi Ndembo died at 27 years old after having been in a coma for around two weeks.
Should The Fight Happen?
Middleweight boxer Sherif Lawal also died after losing on his pro debut. He was knocked out, only to then be taken to hospital. Despite medical intervention, the boxer passed away. There is a danger that something could go wrong in the ring between Paul and Tyson.
Paul also risks further backlash from boxing fans. The overwhelming consensus is that that fight should not happen at all. Public perception is a big part of the sport, as it could impact Paul’s commercial power moving forward. If Paul vs Tyson does not go down well, especially since there are safety concerns, it will impact his ability to make big PPV fights. Paul already has several other options.
He has the Tommy Fury rematch. He suffered a split decision loss in his first bout against a pro boxer. Since then, Paul has won three on the bounce, including wins over two professional fighters in Andre August and Ryan Bourland. Darren Till has also called out Paul. The former UFC fighter is expected to fight Julio Cesar Jr. on the Paul-Tyson card. It is his boxing debut. Provided he beats Chavez, Till is intent on fighting Paul. So the question is, should Paul go ahead with the Tyson fight?
