Jake Paul breaks silence on back-up opponent to Mike Tyson

Jake Paul

Jake Paul will fight Mike Tyson later this year

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Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 04/09/2024

- 19:02

Jake Paul has admitted there is no back-up fighter should Mike Tyson be forced into withdrawing from their upcoming bout for a second time.

Paul and Tyson are set to fight in a highly-anticipated clash on 15 November at Arlington's AT&T Stadium in Texas.


But the two were originally scheduled to face off in the ring on July 20 but Iron Mike had to pull out with a medical problem weeks before they were set to meet.

After suffering a flare-up on an ulcer, the 58-year-old was forced to postpone the bout by medical experts.

Jake Paul

Jake Paul will fight Mike Tyson later this year

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And with Tyson set to finally face Paul in nearly two months, there had been rumours that a back-up opponent is being primed to step in should the boxing legend be forced out again.

But Paul has rubbished those claims and insisted that the only opponent he could face in November is Tyson.

"I don't have concern. He's doing great," Paul told TMZ.

"He's super healthy behind the scenes and feeling great, so that's what we're focused on, and there's not a back-up [opponent] currently."

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The fight, which will be broadcast on Netflix, has not been without its controversy with some boxing fans and pundits shocked that Tyson would re-enter the ring after so long out.

The bout has been scheduled as a professional one while the former heavyweight world champion has not fought since 2005 professionally at the age of 38.

Now nearly 20 years on, he will face an opponent who is 31 years younger than him in eight two-minute rounds.

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Tyson Paul

Jake Paul said there is no back-up fight if Mike Tyson pulls out again

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And they will be wearing heavier gloves than normal, sporting 14oz gloves instead of the usual 10oz gloves.

Tyson retired after his last bout in 2005, having been battered by Kevin McBride, but his career is one of the most legendary in the sport.

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Mike Tyson Jake Paul

Mike Tyson has not fought professionally since 2005

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After the original fight was postponed, former MMA star Mike Perry stepped up to replace Tyson and was beaten by Paul by technical knockout in the sixth round.

It extended the YouTube star's boxing record to 10-1, with his solo loss coming against the only boxer he has actually faced in Tommy Fury.

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