Former unified heavyweight champion Mike Tyson reportedly had a medical emergency on Sunday on a flight.
The 57-year-old Tyson was coming from Miami to Los Angeles when he suffered a medical problem. In Touch Weekly reports that Tyson suffered an “apparent medical scare.”
Implications for July 20th Fight
It’s unclear whether this medical problem will affect Tyson’s next fight against YouTuber Jake Paul on July 20th. Those two are fighting in a professionally sanctioned boxing match on Netflix PPV at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Jake is 27, fights at cruiserweight, and has been fighting mostly older MMA fighters in boxing matches. The only notable boxer Jake has fought during his four-year professional career is Tommy Fury, who beat him by an eight-round split decision in 2023.
Tommy is the half-brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and is a British domestic-level fighter and not considered top tier in the eyes of many fans.
When the plane landed, Tyson met with paramedics.
A representative for Mike Tyson told the New York Post, “Thankfully, Mr. Tyson is doing great. He became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing. He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him.”
A Mismatched Bout?
Given Mike Tyson’s advanced age and any health problems he may have, many fans feel it’s risky for him to fight Jake Paul.
Tyson hasn’t fought professionally in 19 years since his knockout loss to Kevin McBride in 2005. He looked washed up against a poor heavyweight then. Losing to McBride, who wasn’t world-class, and Danny Williams before that showed that Tyson had nothing left of his once impressive skills.
It’s got to be a lot worse for Mike Tyson to be returning to the ring at his age. He turns 58 on June 30th. Jake Paul can punch, and he’s at least at the level of Kevin McBride regarding skills and power. You can argue that Jake is a better fighter than the McBride that Tyson lost to in 2005, and that’s not good for Iron Mike at his age.
We don’t know whether Tyson and Paul will take it easy, dancing around rather than going all out. Many fans question whether this is going to be a real fight.
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