Mike Tyson says his comeback to the professional boxing ranks on November 15 is on despite problems with a stomach ulcer.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday during Fanatics Fest in New York, Tyson assured fans a four-month delay due to the ailment is behind him. Tyson needed paramedic care on a flight from Miami to Florida earlier this year, forcing organizers of a fight with Jake Paul to rearrange.
The July 20 date then became November 15, with Tyson and Paul set to trade blows at the AT&T Stadium in Texas. Despite doubts, Tyson personally guaranteed the headliner’s occurrence.
“I’m very prepared, I’m very prepared. I had a small adversity. I got sick, but I feel good. I’m just ready, I’m just ready. I’m going to do my talk, and I’m going to talk my s***, but I’m ready to fight,” Tyson told the crowd and attending media.
On whether he’s back to training camp, Tyson added, “Well, I’m beautiful, and I’ve been training for a while, like two weeks, three weeks. I’m in camp. It’s happening. We’re all here.”
Opponent Paul has faced tremendous criticism for wanting to face Tyson as he approaches his sixties. As he attended the presser, the crowd roundly booed him and chanted anti-Paul messages.
The YouTuber’s response was to play up to the tag.
“At the end of the day, people are always going to have something to say. It’s because of who I am,” said Paul. “I proved everyone wrong. Reminder: Muhammad Ali was the most hated and most criticized boxer in the sport of boxing before they loved them. So, I’m the anti-hero, and people will love me soon enough once they realize what I’ve done for this sport and who I truly am.
“It doesn’t bother me at the end of the day because when you’re at the top, people are clawing to rip you down. And that’s just the way the game goes.”
Paul and Tyson are reportedly earning eight figures each for the event, with Netflix forking out a considerable sum to broadcast the card live from the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Female stars Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will rematch on the undercard, ensuring that there’s at least one competitive fight on the bill.
However, detractors still believe the fight will be called off before the first bell in three months, and where that leaves Taylor at 40 is anyone’s guess. The Irishwoman would have wasted possibly the final year of her career on the sidelines.
But if Tyson does pull out, Paul will likely draft Tommy Fury or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to save the show.
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.
