Boxing icon Mike Tyson is set to undergo urgent medical tests ahead of his highly anticipated fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, after struggling with health issues earlier this year.
Legendary heavyweight contender Tyson has announced that he is coming out of retirement to fight internet sensation Paul in November, despite having to postpone their original fight date due to Tyson’s stomach ulcers flaring up.
Tyson last entered the ring four years ago, in a lackluster exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr. that ended in a draw. He last fought professionally in 2020, in a five-round fight with Kevin McBride.
The fight with Paul has been officially declared a professional event, although it could be downgraded to an exhibition if Tyson fails upcoming medical tests. Worse, the entire event is in danger of being canceled if the 58-year-old’s condition doesn’t satisfy authorities.
Before the fight, Tela Mange, communications manager for the Texas Department of Licenses and Regulation, told World Boxing News, “The TDLR is aware of the media reports regarding the incident involving Mr. Tyson. At this time, Mr. Tyson and Mr. Paul have both completed the medical requirements for this event,” he added. “Prior to the event, the TDLR will conduct pre-fight physicals to ensure both fighters are in good health.”
Set to fight in eight two-minute rounds, a departure from the usual three-minute format, Tyson and Paul will also wear heavier 14-ounce gloves instead of the established 10-ounce ones. Regardless of these modifications, both fighters are expressing immense confidence in their chances of claiming knockout victories, the Mirror reports.
Tyson confidently stated that he was ready to beat Jake Paul, stating, “I’m very prepared to knock Jake Paul out. I’m very prepared. I’ve had a little bit of adversity. I got unwell, but I feel good. I’m just ready. I’m just ready.
“I’ll give my speech and talk my shit, but I’m ready to fight. I’m pretty and I got back to training a while ago, like two weeks, three weeks… I’m in camp. As soon as I catch this guy, it’s over. Jake Paul’s gonna be running around the ring, but as soon as I catch this guy, it’s totally over. I’m gonna smash him.”
In response, Jake Paul didn’t hold back, saying, “He says it’s going to be my funeral. He says it’s going to be my wake. He’s going to kill Jake Paul. All those things, and that’s why I love Mike. I respect him, but we’re not friends anymore until November 15th.”
“I’m gonna knock this motherfucker out and we’ll see who’s dead. Mike wanted this to be a pro fight, so he’s gonna get his ass kicked. You’ll see it on BoxRec, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. Jake Paul knocks out Mike Tyson.”