World Boxing News can reveal that Mike Tyson’s boxing license remains unchanged since a stomach ulcer problem delayed the Jake Paul fight.
WBN contacted the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation about the matter after Tyson had to be treated by paramedics on a flight in May. The flare-up meant his controversial clash with YouTuber Paul was postponed from July to November to ensure Tyson was fully healthy.
However, World Boxing News asked TDLR’s Communications Manager, Tela Mange, what measures had since been undertaken over Tyson’s licensing. It was a revelation to discover that Tyson’s professional boxing license was granted in May 2024 and has not been re-evaluated for the November fight despite the stomach problem.
WBN asked for some assurances that Tyson, 58, would evaluated due to his age and having been medically treated in the interim. Mange could only confirm that a pre-fight test was planned the day before the Paul fight.
Mange exclusively told World Boxing News, “Mike Tyson already submitted the tests we requested and has been licensed to fight in Texas since May 2024. As with all combative sports events in Texas, both fighters will have a pre-fight exam with our doctors at the weigh-in the day before the event.”
Asked whether there was a chance the Netflix headliner could be downgraded to an exhibition if Tyson is not one hundred percent, Mange responded, “I am not aware of any plans to reclassify this bout. It’s still considered to be a professional bout. ”
Mange assured WBN that all regular checks were in place and that Tyson could still be subject to more procedures before trading blows with an active boxer 31 years younger than him.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and ask for any additional testing that we feel is appropriate. Beyond saying that, I am not going to speculate about what may or may not occur.”
The fact that Tyson will be licensed for seven months before taking to the ring at 58 and has had health issues is worrying enough without knowing that no further health tests were planned until November 14. Paul is already taking heat from professional combat stars over the event after picking out an aged legend to boost his boxing profile.
If Tyson got injured during the fight or Paul caused damage to the former heavyweight champion, the outcome would be precarious moving forward.
The only other precedent in this case was Evander Holyfield in 2021. Like Tyson, ‘The Real Deal’ returned at 58 and struggled to move or get shots off when facing Vitor Belfort.
As soon as Belfort landed, Holyfield was hurt. This early knockdown situation never happened during Holyfield’s professional career. This scenario is evidence enough that punch resistance is a problem, adding further to the generational decline of any athlete in their fifties.
Hopefully, Mike Tyson will face a stringent health evaluation before being allowed to compete.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
