This week would have been the start of interviews, ad breaks and cringe soundbites for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson . The pro fight featuring the YouTuber and “The Baddest Man on the Planet” raised eyebrows when first announced, earning mixed reviews from fight fans and the casuals who come in droves to watch Paul.
Many wondered if Tyson, who last fought as a pro in 2005, had anything left in the tank. Paul would have gotten ridiculed either for beating up a man, at 58, well past the appropriate fighting age or getting knocked out by one. It would have still been a win for him, as it was guaranteed people would tune in on July 20.
Everything came crashing down when the fight got called off, not surprising because of Tyson’s health.
Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up before the fight. There was not only a sense of relief that the fight was off but also of greater concern for Tyson’s future. Still, both left room for it to get rebooked, especially after tickets already went on sale for the fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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“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.”
Paul will now fight MMA and bare-knuckle star Mike Perry in Tyson’s place. The fight will be Saturday, July 20, in Tampa, Fla. It is a contest featuring two equals that could be an entertaining affair and it airs on DAZN.
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Where does that leave Tyson? Does the former heavyweight great still want to try and get in the ring? And does Paul still want to try and fight Tyson after his most recent health scare?
Is Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson still on?
The short answer, for now, is yes.
Despite Tyson’s recent health issues, if all goes according to plan, the fight will still be on. Paul and Tyson agreed to a Friday, Nov. 15, date, with the fight still at AT&T Stadium.
"Although we had to postpone the fight, I will resume training shortly. I am thankful to the medical staff that treated me and to MVP, Netflix, and AT&T Stadium for working diligently to find the best rescheduled date for all parties," Tyson said in a release. "While we have a new date, the result will be the same no matter when we fight. Jake Paul is getting knocked out.”
WATCH: Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry, live on DAZN
The rescheduled fight would air on a Friday instead of a Saturday because of the time needed to get AT&T Stadium ready for the Cowboys to host the Texans in a "Monday Night Football" game Nov. 18.
By the time they fight, Tyson will be 59, resulting in a 32-year age gap. The fight is still going to air on Netflix.
Of course, all of this depends on if Paul can get past Perry and Tyson can regain his health completely.
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