Jake Paul asked if he has a back-up opponent for Mike Tyson fight after insisting 58-year-old is now 'super healthy'

02/09/2024 11:00

Jake Paul isn’t worried about his fight with Mike Tyson getting postponed again.

The pair were supposed to square off on July 20 in a controversial crossover clash.

But the fight was called off after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight to Los Angeles in May.

Despite ‘Iron Mike’s’ PR team insisting he had made a ‘full recovery’ further checks from doctors deemed him medically unfit to compete this summer.

As a result, Mike Perry stepped in to replace the former undisputed heavyweight champion on the original date and was subsequently stopped in the sixth round, while Paul vs Tyson was pushed back to November 15.

Concerns have been raised about Tyson’s health as he gears up to face a man 31 years his junior, but Paul insists the 58-year-old is in great shape.

‘The Problem Child’ is so confident the fight will go ahead, in fact, that he hasn’t even arranged a back-up opponent.

“I don’t have concern,” Paul told TMZ when asked about the situation. “He’s doing great. He’s super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great.

“So that’s what we are focusing on and there is not a back-up currently.”

Paul vs Tyson has been sanctioned as a professional heavyweight contest by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

However, it will be contested under a modified rule set.

The fight will consist of eight, two-minute rounds rather than the usual three-minute stanzas while both boxers will wear 14oz gloves, instead of 10oz mitts.

Knockouts are allowed and the result of the contest will go on both men’s professional records.

Tyson hasn’t competed in the paid ranks since June 2005 when he fell to defeat against Kevin McBride.

‘Iron Mike’ was battered from pillar to post by the Irishman before he retired on his stool at the end of the sixth round.

In a candid interview in the immediate aftermath, Tyson admitted: “I realised, I don’t think I have it anymore.

“I’ve got the ability to stay in shape but I don’t got the fighting guts anymore. I’m just fighting to take care of my bills basically.

“I don’t have the stomach for this no more. I’m more conscious of my children. I don’t have that ferocity, I’m not that animal anymore.

“Most likely I’m not gonna fight again. I’m not gonna disrespect the sport by losing to these calibre of fighters.”

19 years later, Tyson returns to the ring against a YouTuber.