Whether the planned Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout will happen is now more of a question of “if” than a guaranteed “when,” according to reports on Monday.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix said there were “real concerns” about whether the fight, which was postponed from its original July 20 date at AT&T Stadium, would still take place after Tyson had health issues during his flight across the country.
Mannix said during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” that two dates – mid-October and mid-November – are being considered for rescheduling the bout, but other fighters on the card have growing concerns about the planned event.
“The people on this card — and there are several other fights on this card — are genuinely concerned about what’s going to happen with this particular card going forward,” Mannix said.
“Mike Tyson is 57, soon to be 58. They say it’s a minor ulcer problem, but I don’t think anything is minor at that stage in life, especially when it comes to getting in proper shape for a professional boxing match.”
While traveling from Miami to Los Angeles late last month, Tyson’s ulcer recurred, leaving him with nausea and dizziness.
The Paul-Tyson bout was officially postponed less than a week after the health issues arose.
Mannix said he didn’t think the game was a “total flop.”
“It’s not impossible,” he said, “but again, some stakeholders are skeptical that this particular fight will go forward.”
In a video posted to social media last week after the postponement, Paul said he was “heartbroken, speechless and disappointed” by the news.
He wants Tyson to stay healthy, adding that despite the unfortunate news, Tyson is still as bad-mouthing as ever.
“I want Mike to stay healthy. He still says he’s going to knock me out and buy me some time, so Mike’s still talking trash out there,” Paul said with a laugh.
Paul’s brother, Logan, teased the idea of taking Tyson’s place in an X post last week.
