The much-anticipated clash between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul faced a setback last week as it had to be postponed due to Tyson failing a medical exam after experiencing an ulcer flare-up during a flight. Despite this hurdle, both fighters remain determined to make the fight happen.
Within less than a week, a new date was set for the fight, and the trash talk between both fighters resumed.
With the fight back on, here are the latest rumors surrounding the showdown.
Mike Tyson Health Update: Fighter Could Still Be Pulled from the Fight
Despite the determination of both Tyson and Paul to make this fight happen, Tyson remains at risk of missing the fight once again. Tela Mange, head of communications for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), recently told World Boxing News that setting a new date does not guarantee the fight will occur.
“TDLR rules state that licensure does not automatically authorize an individual to participate in an event if their health or safety could be compromised,” said Mange. “As I’ve mentioned before, the Department will stay informed about the health of the combatants and will gather 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.”
This means that Tyson could be pulled from the fight as late as the day of the event. Mage did not specify how close to the actual fight start time Tyson could be pulled, but it appears that until the first bell rings, there is a chance this fight might not happen on the new date.
Tyson vs. Paul New Date: Why Is the Fight Now Happening on a Friday?
The original date for the fight, July 20, was set for a Saturday night. The new date, November 15, falls on a Friday, which is unusual for major boxing events. So, why the change?
The venue for the fight remains AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. In November, the NFL season is in full swing, and coincidentally, the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to host the Houston Texans on Monday, November 18. The decision to hold the fight on a Friday is to allow ample time for stadium personnel to prepare the venue for the football game, which takes place just three days later.
The original date was chosen specifically to avoid major sports conflicts outside of Major League Baseball. The November 15 date poses more challenges in terms of planning, yet fight coordinators express confidence that everything can proceed smoothly with their current plan.
Here’s the information for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight:
- Date: Friday, November 15
- Time: Not yet announced
- TV: Not available on TV
- Streaming: Netflix