Boxing icon Mike Tyson is set to undergo last-ditch medical tests before his highly anticipated fight against internet sensation Jake Paul this Friday.
The legendary heavyweight, who’s stepping out of retirement for the clash, will face Paul in November, following a four-month delay caused by Tyson’s health scare involving an ulcer flare-up.
The incident occurred on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, leaving Tyson in distress and coughing up blood on the bathroom floor.
It’s been four years since Tyson’s last appearance in the ring, which ended in a draw during an exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr, and his final professional bout resulted in a retirement after five rounds against Kevin McBride in 2005.
The upcoming fight with Paul has received professional status but could be downgraded to an exhibition if Tyson doesn’t pass the pre-fight medical examinations.
The event’s fate hangs in the balance, as it might even be called off if the 58-year-old’s health isn’t up to scratch. “TDLR is aware of media reports regarding an episode involving Mr. Tyson.
At present, Mr. Tyson and Mr. Paul have met the medical requirements for this event,” stated Tela Mange, Communications Manager at the Texas Department of License and Regulation, to World Boxing News.
“Before the event, TDLR will conduct pre-fight physicals to ensure the health of both fighters.”
The upcoming bout between Tyson and Paul has deviated from boxing tradition, featuring eight rounds of two minutes each and fighters donning 14oz gloves instead of the standard 10oz. Yet, both contenders are adamant they’ll score knockouts.
Tyson threw down a bold challenge to Paul, asserting: “I’m very prepared to knock out Jake Paul. I’m very prepared. I had a small adversity.
“I got sick, but I feel good. I’m just ready. I’m just ready. I’m going to do my talk and I’m going to talk my s***, but I’m ready to fight.
“I’m beautiful and I’ve been back to training for a while, like two weeks, three weeks… I’m in camp. As soon as I catch this guy, it’s over.
“Jake Paul is going to be running around the ring, but as soon as I catch this guy, it’s going to be totally over. I’m going to f*** him up.”
Paul responded with equal fire: “He’s saying that it’s going to be my funeral. He’s saying it’s going to be my wake. He’s going to kill Jake Paul. All of these things, and that’s why I love Mike.
“I respect him, but we’re not friends anymore until November 15. I’m knocking this motherf***** out and we’re going to see who’s dead.
“Mike is the one that wanted it to be a pro fight, so he’s going to get his s*** knocked out. You’re going to see on BoxRec, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson – Jake Paul KOs Mike Tyson.”
