Iron Mike Tyson could be banned from fighting Jake Paul on November 15 as the ex-undisputed heavyweight champion must past strict medical tests after health problems forced the initial date for the bout to be postponed.
The 58-year-old was due to take on The Problem Child on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas until a stomach ulcer caused him and Netflix to delay the fight until the winter as Paul insists they agreed to have the same amount of training time.
Now though, it still may not go ahead as Tyson is obligated to pass strict health screenings to prove he's capable of taking on the man almost 30 years his junior as the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) looks to ensure he won't get hurt.
Tyson is required to provide positive results from electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (EKG) tests in order to be permitted into the ring in November, according to the TDLR's Head of Communications, Tela Mange.
"At this point, the fight remains an eight-round contest over two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves," Mange told World Boxing News. "As I think I've said before, the Department will stay informed about the health of the combatants and will obtain more information if needed to protect their health and safety."
The TDLR also added that whilst possessing a license to fight is good, it isn't a guarantee to fight and Tyson could still be banned from doing so on the night if they don't feel he is safe enough following pre-fight checks. The same rule goes for Paul too.
Tyson's ready to go
Tyson last fought in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr. during the Covid-19 pandemic in an exhibition bout but this will be his first professional fight since he literally retired from the sport on his stool during a bout against Kevin McBride in 2005.
It came after a knockout loss to Danny Williams as he proved to be a shadow of himself at the end of his career, but 19 years later he feels as though he is ready to go and can deliver a good performance against Paul.
"Although we had to postpone the fight, I will resume training shortly," Tyson told the world. "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.
"While we have a new date, the result will be the same no matter when we fight. Jake Paul is getting knocked out."
