Mike Tyson Could Still Pull Out Of The Jake Paul Fight – ‘Health Or Safety Could Be Compromised’
Mike Tyson could still be pulled out from the Jake Paul fight.
That is according to the Head of Communications of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Tela Mange. Tyson and Paul were first set to box on July 20. It was controversially confirmed as a pro-fight for eight rounds. Each round was set for two minutes, with both wearing 14-ounce gloves. The initial concerns were that Tyson and Paul’s age gap did not make it safe. Tyson will be 59 at the time of the fight.
He has not boxed professionally since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. His last bout was a 2020 exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. Paul is much younger at 27 and has been the more active fighter. Since December, he has knocked out Andre August and Ryan Bourland, both in the first round.
Disaster struck after Tyson pulled out of the July date. He was on board a flight from Miami to Las Vegas when he required medical treatment.
Paul vs. Tyson
The flight was delayed for around two hours. Tyson’s team said his ulcer had flared up but that he would be fine for the fight. However, Tyson’s team then announced he would not be ready. But rather than call the fight off completely, Paul vs. Tyson will now occur on November 15. That has left worries amongst the fanbase that it should not happen. Mange has said the Commission will monitor things closely and is ready to pull out Tyson if serious concerns arise.
“They [Most Valuable Promotions, Paul’s team] have requested November 15, and we have approved that date. At this point, the fight remains an eight-round contest over two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves. 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. In addition to pre-licensing medical screening, TDLR’s ringside physicians also conduct pre-fight physicals before the event. TDLR rules state that licensure does not automatically authorize an individual to participate in an event if their health or safety could be compromised,” Mange said
Should It Happen?
Evander Holyfield’s return against Victor Belfort in 2021 showed the dangers of old retired boxers returning. Holyfield, the former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, was 58 at the time. Although it was clear he would not be the same fighter, the drop-off was more noticeable. In the first round, Holyfield was repeatedly hit by combinations. His reaction times had slowed down significantly as he hit the canvas. Following the repeated punishment, the referee had seen enough to waive it off. But Tyson remains unfazed by any critics, saying he will punish Paul in the ring.
“Although we had to postpone the fight, I will resume training shortly. 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. Watch this in person on Friday, November 15, at AT&T Stadium or live on Netflix,” Tyson stated
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