Mike Tyson's eagerly anticipated return to the ring after 19 years has been delayed. Scheduled to fight Jake Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the match has been postponed following a medical emergency Tyson experienced on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. Promoters revealed that Tyson, 57, suffered an "ulcer flare-up," necessitating minimal to light training for the next few weeks before he can resume full training.
The event, initially planned as the first live boxing broadcast on Netflix, is expected to remain at AT&T Stadium. Most Valuable Promotions announced that a new date for the fight will be revealed on Friday, June 7.
In a statement, Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) expressed gratitude to his fans for their support and understanding. "Due to my ulcer flare-up, my doctor has advised me to take a few weeks of light training to rest and recover," Tyson said. "I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but 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."
Despite Tyson's reassurance on social media that he felt "100%" after the incident, his representatives reported that he experienced nausea and dizziness about 30 minutes before landing.
The fight was already set to occur under modified rules, featuring eight two-minute rounds instead of the standard three-minute rounds, and the use of 14-ounce gloves rather than the typical 10-ounce gloves.
Jake Paul (9-1, 6 KOs), 30 years younger than Tyson, supported the decision to postpone. "I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night," Paul stated. "My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best. 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.”
The event was also set to feature a high-profile rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano for the undisputed super lightweight title. Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) commented on social media, saying, "These things happen in boxing. As sad as it is, I’m with my team... I’m not doing anything without them."
Promoters assured that previously purchased tickets would be honored for the rescheduled date. Those unable to attend the new date can obtain a refund through their original point of purchase or by emailing SeatGeek at dallascowboys@seatgeek.com with the subject line "Paul vs. Tyson."