The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, originally scheduled for July 20, has been postponed. The official Netflix X account, formerly Twitter, announced on Friday evening that the fight would be rescheduled due to a recent medical issue involving Tyson.
Earlier Tyson experienced an ulcer flare-up while on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, requiring medical attention 30 minutes before landing. Despite Tyson's assertion that he was "feeling 100% even though I don't need to be to beat Jake Paul," the medical issue has necessitated the fight's postponement. Tyson stated:
"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. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s."
The bout has faced criticism due to the significant age difference between Paul, 26, and Tyson, 57. Tyson impressed many with his performance in a 2020 exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr., but he has not fought professionally since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation had sanctioned the fight as an official professional bout, albeit with special rules, including eight two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves.
Jake Paul expressed support for the postponement:
"I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night. My fans know I don't want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best."
The fight is planned to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and is expected to draw significant attention and revenue. It will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the first time a boxing match will be shown on the streaming service. Fighters and their teams are committed to delivering an unforgettable event later this year, as a new date will be announced by next Friday.
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