Mike Tyson’s fight on Netflix faces cancelation altogether if the former heavyweight champion gets injured for a second time.
Back in June, Tyson suffered stomach ulcer problems, which delayed the event against Jake Paul by four months. Paul, who instigated the event against the 58-year-old, has stated there’s no backup plan, leaving the entire show up in the air if anything else happens to Tyson.
“I don’t have a concern,” Paul told TMZ. “He’s doing great. He’s super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great, so that’s what we are focused on, and there’s no backup currently.”
On the challenge he faces if Tyson is fit and healthy, Paul added, “Mike is big and beefy and thick and strong, yeah, and Francis [Ngannou] says he thinks Mike is going to knock me out, which is funny,” Paul told TMZ. “I do have to be careful in the early rounds because Mike has that crazy punching power.
Asked if he’s going for the knockout, the YouTuber continued, “One hundred percent. A pro fight means war, and I don’t take it lightly. You can get seriously hurt or injured in there. So, if you’re not in there to go to war, then you should get out.”
Finally, Paul discussed the prospect of sharing the ring with a boxing legend on Netflix despite concerns over Mike Tyson’s age.
“It’s very surreal, and it’s an honor. I look up to Mike. He’s such a legend. It’s just so cool to be in the ring with him. It’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to put on a good performance and beat the legend.”
Paul aims to stop Tyson for the third straight time in his career, nineteen years after the New Yorker’s last two stoppages. Danny Williams and Kevin McBride took a shot Tyson out in 2004 and 2005, leaving many believing the 27-year-old influencer could do the same almost two decades later.
Judging by Paul’s liking for taking out aged combat stars, it’s likely that Tyson will be done by round three and ripe for the picking.
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.
