Although boxer Mike Tyson was said to be “doing great” after a medical emergency during a cross-country trip sent paramedics rushing to his flight last weekend, concerns over the 57-year-old boxer’s health have prompted organizers to cancel his hotly anticipated fight against 27-year-old social media star Jake Paul.
The fight, planned for July 20, had been heavily promoted by Netflix, which had organized the event with Paul-owned company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). But “Even Iron Mike has to follow doctor’s orders,” the streaming giant announced Friday, saying that ill health has forced Tyson to pause his training for the event.
Tyson, who was convicted of rape in 1992 and faced other allegations of sexual assault last year, was on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last Sunday when “He became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing,” a spokesperson for Tyson tells Vanity Fair. American Airlines confirms that Tyson’s flight “was met by first responders upon arrival due to the medical needs of a customer.”
According to Tyson’s longtime rep, he was treated by medical staff at the airport and then released, but later in the week, doctors advised him to step back from the rigorous training necessary to battle the 30-years-younger man.
“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,” a Tyson spokesperson says.
“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,” a quote attributed to Tyson reads.
“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.”
Some doctors who spoke with USA TODAY suggested that Tyson’s efforts to get into top fight shape might have caused the bout-delaying stomach issues. Use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Aleve, or ibuprofen can cause debilitating sores in the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, so if he was taking those meds as part of his recovery protocol, they might have prompted the flare-up.
“It’s a lot of strain on the body. l bet his training regimen is outrageous, so it’s a lot of stress for sure,” one doctor said.
If he continued to train, the ulcer could lead to more serious issues that could require emergency surgery, explained the medical professionals. “It can take up to three months for the ulcer to completely heal,” one doctor said.
In a statement, Tyson said he remains committed to eventually toppling Paul. “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,” Tyson says. “I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Paul said in a statement shared by Netflix.
“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 vs. Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
A new date for the bout has been set, but according to Netflix, the venue of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas will remain the same. “No action is needed to keep current tickets and current seat locations,” the streamer says, so fans will just need to watch for a rescheduling announcement. According to a statement from MVP, the new fight date will go public by Friday, June 7.
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