The postponement of the heavily-anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been met with surprise from the sports world. The fully-sanctioned professional bout pitted former heavyweight champion Tyson against rising star Paul -- and while there is talk that the fight will simply be pushed back to later this year, others are expressing skepticism that it will be held at all.
Tyson's recent ulcer flare-up on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles was given as the reason why he would not be able to fight Paul at AT&T Stadium on July 20. But the flare-up could merely be a sign of things to come for the 57-year-old, and that is why a fresh round of skepticism has emerged regarding a return to the ring for "Iron Mike."
Tyson could be told never to fight again
There’s no way Mike Tyson pulled out of that fight. Mike is about making money.
— FightOracle ™ (@fightoracle) June 1, 2024
This was a fake fight from the start. He just had to show up. Light sparring. Collect an envelope. Netflix stepped in & said this is embarrassing. We’re a $275 billion company. We don’t want this. pic.twitter.com/2KaEXNJTVZ
World Boxing News has reported that one blow to Tyson's stomach in a fight with Paul could put his health in immediate and serious danger -- and as such, there is now only a "remote" possibility that the two men will ever step in the ring and touch gloves.
It is perhaps telling that Most Valuable Promotions, which represents Paul, has begun offering refunds to fans even before a new date for the fight has been announced.
Tyson would require medical clearance from his doctors in order to begin training again, let alone enter the ring in a professional capacity. Given his advancing age, it is definitely possible that doctors will simply never clear Tyson, who last fought in 2005. If he does not receive medical clearance, Tyson will have to hang up his gloves for the last time.
