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Jake Paul's real feelings revealed on Mike Tyson fight cancellation

Jake Paul is set to face Mike Tyson in a professional boxing match in November, with the former world heavyweight champion having pulled out of the bout in July

by · Birmingham Live

The much-anticipated bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which has already stirred up its fair share of drama and controversy, is set to take place on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas. The event is expected to draw a crowd of 90,000 fans.

Originally scheduled for July, the fight was postponed due to Tyson suffering an ulcer flare-up that forced him to halt training on medical advice. The boxing icon, now 58, told the Daily Mail that his diet caused the health issue but he's now "ulcer-free" and committed to "eating clean".

When Tyson had to withdraw in May, Paul expressed his disappointment but also conveyed his well-wishes for Tyson's recovery, stating his admiration and "so much respect" for 'Iron Mike'. This respectful stance from Paul isn't surprising given their cordial relationship since Paul appeared on the undercard of Tyson's exhibition match with Roy Jones Jr in 2020, which was Tyson's comeback after nearly 15 years out of the ring.

Following a couple of years of establishing himself as a credible boxer, Paul initiated efforts to entice Tyson back into the ring. Negotiations between the two reportedly commenced in late 2023, and the fight was officially confirmed in March 2024.

Nevertheless, their amicable relationship was strained when footage surfaced online of Tyson partying mere weeks after withdrawing from the bout due to medical reasons. Subsequently, Paul's manager, Nakisa Bidarian, disclosed that 'the Problem Child' was "p*****" about the situation, particularly after expressing concern for 'The Baddest Man on the Planet', reports the Mirror.

In an interview with MMA Hout, Bidarian summarized the situation: "I thought he [Tyson] was injured, what's going on? " However, Tyson's recent comments appear to corroborate his prior poor health. "I was consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy food and substances, and I fell ill," he revealed.

The Brooklyn-born fighter also admitted to vaping frequently at the time but has since reduced his usage. He also stated that he has been avoiding "processed foods" since the fight was rescheduled.

With a 31-year age gap between Tyson and Paul, many have criticized the event, arguing that it poses a risk Tyson should not be taking at his age. Some have also suggested that the bout could tarnish Tyson's legacy, but he himself claims to be unconcerned about that.

"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? I'm dead. I can't value off what somebody might think about me when I'm dead, so it means nothing to me."

Tyson has not stepped into the ring for a professional bout since 2005, succumbing to Kevin McBride in his last match.

However, he's kept up appearances in the boxing world with two exhibition matches—one in 2006 against Corey Sanders and another in 2020 facing Jones. On the other side, Paul boasts an impressive record with 10 victories out of 11 professional fights, having embarked on his boxing journey almost five years ago.

His sole loss was to Tommy Fury, Tyson Fury's brother, in February 2023.