Mike Tyson's ulcer issues cause fight vs. Jake Paul to be postponed
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Mike Tyson’s return to the boxing ring for an official fight against Jake Paul on July 20 was postponed Friday due to the recent flare-up of Tyson’s ulcer.
“The upcoming highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will unfortunately be postponed,” Most Valuable Promotions, Paul’s company that was putting on the event, announced. “During a follow up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals on his recent ulcer flare-up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations.”
Tyson and Paul were due to meet in a scheduled eight-round heavyweight fight, albeit it with two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the first boxing event streamed on Netflix.
However, this past Sunday, Tyson, who would have been 58 on fight night and not had a professional fight in 19 years since his 2005 retirement, suffered a medical incident during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
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Tyson’s spokesperson said at the time that “he became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing. He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him.”
The crew asked if any medical professionals were on board and paramedics boarded the plane upon landing to assist Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion and one of the most iconic athletes in sports history.
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover,” Tyson said. “My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon.
“Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can't wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) was due to face the 27-year old Paul (9-1, 6 KOs), the popular social media influencer and YouTube personality, who is now a novice pro boxer but a man in his physical prime with big power in his right hand. They did a two-fight media tour to New York and Arlington two weeks ago to promote the event.
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Paul said. “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake — when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my ‘W’ with a sensational finish. Paul versus Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
MVP said the plan is to reschedule the bout when Tyson is ready.
“Both Mike and Jake are in agreement that it is only fair to ensure that both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important match and are able to compete at the highest level,” MVP said in its announcement. “The health and well-being of athletes is our top priority, and we fully support Mike in taking the necessary time to allow him to perform at the level he expects of himself.
“Mike is expected to return to his full training schedule in the coming weeks and is eager to get back in the ring. MVP anticipates rescheduling the match to later this year at AT&T Stadium, and we look forward to an exciting and well-prepared contest between these two exceptional athletes. The new date of the fight will be announced by next Friday, June 7th.”
With the event off, it also means a delay for the highly anticipated rematch between undisputed women’s junior welterweight champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), 37, of Ireland, and unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), 35, a Puerto Rican southpaw and winner of titles in a women’s record seven divisions. They were scheduled to meet in the co-feature in a sequel to their instant classic battle that Taylor, then the undisputed lightweight champion, won by split decision in April 2022 at sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York.
Also on hold are other undercard bouts:
A 10-rounder between lightweight prospects Ashton “H20” Sylve (11-0, 9 KOs), 20, of Long Beach, California, and Floyd Schofield (17-0, 12 KOs), 21, of Austin, Texas.
The return from a nearly three-year layoff of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (53-6-1, 34 KOs), 38, of Mexico, a former WBC middleweight titleholder, against former UFC fighter Darren Till, who was due to make his pro boxing debut in a six-round cruiserweight fight at a contract weight of 190 pounds.
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Photo: Amanda Westcott/Most Valuable Promotions
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MVP also announced that Prilosec will be a title sponsor for the rescheduled event.
The women's fight and Schofield/sylvie were great. Disappointing.