Mike Tyson may be forced to fight Jake Paul because the youngest-ever heavyweight champion is being offered a sizable purse.
Despite approaching his sixties and being hampered by a stomach ulcer, Tyson will likely defy any calls not to compete against the YouTuber on November 15. Since delaying the event four months due to his stomach ailment, which can be fatal if rupturing occurs, Tyson is now the underdog to win the battle.
When the clash was first announced, Tyson was favored to knock Paul out. However, after an airplane incident in which he needed medical attention from paramedics, Paul is now favored to stop the boxing legend.
Calling off the fight seems to be a no-go area as Tyson prepares to go head-to-head with Paul this weekend in New York. Judging by former Tyson podcast guest and MMA Henry Cejudo’s mishap in revealing the purse his friend will receive, the reward may outweigh the risk.
On the dangers, Cejudo said before Tyson’s birthday, “I mean, you know what I respect, Uncle Mike, but it obviously takes two to tango. But I feel like there is probably a really good payday for Mike. He’s probably going to make nearly twenty million, and he’s about to turn 58 years old.”
Meanwhile, former UFC co-star Daniel Cormier believes Paul is on a hiding to nothing. Cormier says Paul can’t win, regardless of the result in Texas.
“It might ruin you if he just beats on Mike Tyson. He’s in a no-win situation,” Cormier said on his podcast. “I don’t know that he thought this one through as much as he probably should have because if you just go out there and you just beat up Mike Tyson, everybody will be really mad at you. I mean, really mad.”
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul in Texas
The fight was originally scheduled for July 20, but Tyson’s failing health forced organizers to postpone. Paul’s business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, revealed that the Dallas Cowboys had to give their blessing for the contest to go ahead during the NFL season.
Dallas has games on either side of Paul vs. Tyson at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles on November 10 and the Texans nine days later at the venue.
Bidarian said, “Our team has worked diligently with all parties involved to reschedule this monumental fight to a date that ensures both Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are fully prepared, with equal training time. This also allows us to keep the event at AT&T Stadium during the Cowboys season.
“We appreciate our partners’ outstanding dedication, collaboration, and flexibility at Netflix and AT&T Stadium. Paul vs. Tyson is the most cross-generational sporting event in history.
“We are committed to providing fans worldwide with this unforgettable night of boxing live globally on Netflix. We look forward to seeing everyone on Friday, November 15, for a showdown that will be talked about for generations to come.”
Sadly, for all involved, the headliner could be talked about for the wrong reasons.
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.
