Jake Paul has said he “loves” and has “so much respect” for Mike Tyson after the heavyweight legend had to pull out of his fight with the YouTuber turned boxer.
The pair were due to fight on 20 July at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. However the 57-year-old said he has been unable to train after a recent ulcer flare up and had to postpone his involvement on medical advice.
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), who are staging the event alongside Netflix, said a new date for the fight will be announced on 7 June, but Paul was full of respect for Tyson’s decision and urged him to ensure a fill bill of health before returning.
He said on Instagram : “Obviously devastating news, I’m heartbroken, speechless, gutted. We’ve been working so hard over here, everyone in this camp and I feel bad for everyone in this event, the whole undercard. This opportunity has been ripped from all of us, but I do value Mike’s health.
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“Love that guy, so much respect for him and I want Mike to be healthy. He still says he’s going to knock me out and I bought myself some time so Mike is still talking s*** over there. But Mike if you still want to do this, like you’ve said behind closed doors, I’m ready whenever you’re ready.
“This is too big an opportunity, this fight’s going to change the world. I turn all my Ls into Ws – a motto I live by – and the universe makes no mistakes so let’s see what’s in store, but sorry this didn’t work out.”
The postponement of the fight has plunged a host of other bouts into uncertainty. Light-welterweight champion Katie Taylor was due to have rematch with Amanda Serrano on the same night, but it is anticipated it will also be moved with the rest of the card.
The fight’s promoters are determined to announce a new date
Tyson said: “Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon.”
MVP added: “Both Mike and Jake are in agreement that it is only fair to ensure that both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important match and are able to compete at the highest level. The health and wellbeing of athletes is our top priority.”
Paul, whose most recent fight was in March, was won nine of his ten fights since turning his hand to boxing. The only man to beat him at Tommy Fury, who secured victory with a split decision back in February of last year.
