Mike Tyson breaks silence on pulling out of Jake Paul fight

Mike Tyson was scheduled to fight Jake Paul in July, but was forced to pull out due to an ulcer flare-up. The fight has since been rescheduled for November

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has revealed that his diet was the reason he had to withdraw from his initial fight date with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 58 year old was set to face 'The Problem Child' in July, but an ulcer flare-up forced him to step back.

Tyson's doctor advised him 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 highly-anticipated match between the two is scheduled for 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 concerns 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' ahead of his showdown with the young American. Tyson shared his views on the fight's potential impact on his reputation, revealing a strong indifference towards critics' opinions about the bout's implications for his storied legacy. "I didn't take this fight for legacy," he declared. "I think legacy really, to my perspective, legacy is ego.

Who gives a f*** how people think about them when they are gone?, reports the Mirror.

Tyson Fury, now 'ulcer-free' and adhering to a clean diet, appears ready to take on internet sensation Paul. Yet, fans remain sceptical, questioning whether 'Iron Mike' is truly dedicated to the bout.

In a recent sit-down with Jimmy Kimmel, the 58 year old Tyson revealed his rigorous training schedule: "I am training extremely hard, I do six hours a day. I start at 11am and might leave the gym at 5pm," he disclosed. When probed about taking lunch breaks, Tyson confirmed there was indeed a brief intermission, which left Kimmel astonished.

Moreover, when Kimmel inquired whether Tyson plans to be high for the fight, he quipped: "I'm going to be so high off life, yeah."

On the topic of potential marijuana use, Tyson admitted: "That's a possibility, too."

This prompted Kimmel to half-jokingly remark: "Oh no my bet is getting lower as we talk."

Tyson hasn't stepped into the professional ring for nearly two decades, with his last match being a fifth-round loss to Kevin McBride in 2005. Conversely, up-and-coming boxing talent Paul entered the scene in 2020 and has been active in the sport since.

With a record of 10-1, his sole defeat came at the hands of Tommy Fury last year. Following a win over former UFC fighter Mike Perry in July, 'The Problem Child' is slated to go toe-to-toe with 'Iron Mike'.