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Mike Tyson reveals the real reason he pulled out of Jake Paul fight

Mike Tyson was forced to pull out of his showdown with Jake Paul back in July, but has now returned to the gym and insists he will be ready to face 'The Problem Child' next month

by · Wales Online

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has blamed his diet for having to withdraw from his original fight date with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 58 year old was set to face 'The Problem Child' in July, but had to pull out due to an ulcer flare-up.

Tyson was advised by his doctor to stop training, but he's now back in the gym and insists he'll be ready to take on the 27 year old next month. The much-debated match between the two is set to happen on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, with up to 90,000 fans expected.

The fight will be recognised as a professional bout in the heavyweight division. Since the fight was rescheduled, many in the boxing community have criticised the decision to proceed, expressing concern for Tyson's health.

In a recent interview with Mail Online, 'Iron Mike' revealed he is now 'ulcer-free', attributing his previous health issues to his diet. "I was doing too much bad food and stuff, and I got sick,'' he said. Tyson now says he's avoiding 'processed foods' and is 'eating clean' in preparation for his showdown with the young American.

Tyson has shared his thoughts on how his upcoming fight might impact his legacy. However, he seems to be indifferent to critics' opinions about the match and its potential effect on his legendary status. "I didn't take this fight for legacy," he stated. "I think legacy really, to my perspective, legacy is ego.

"Who gives a f*** how people think about them when they are gone?, I'm dead. I can't get value off what somebody might think about me when I'm dead, so it means nothing to me."

Now that Tyson is 'ulcer-free' and maintaining a clean diet, it seems all systems are go for his showdown with the social media star. Despite this, fans remain sceptical, suspecting that 'Iron Mike' isn't taking his fight with Paul seriously. In a recent conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, the 58 year old claimed he was training six hours a day.

Tyson hasn't stepped into the ring for a professional fight in almost 20 years. His last bout was against Kevin McBride in 2005, where he suffered a fifth-round defeat.

On the other hand, Paul, who made his boxing debut in 2020, has been regularly seen in the ring since then. With a record of 10 wins and one loss, his only defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury last year.

'The Problem Child' is set to face 'Iron Mike' following a victory over ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry in July.