Mike Tyson could be pulled out of Jake Paul boxing fight if legend fails specific test
Mike Tyson has announced he will fight Jake Paul this summer, but it isn't set in stone.
The boxing legend has received medical warnings over his planned July 20 showdown with Paul, given he will be 58-years-old when he steps in the ring, in a contest which could take place under professional rules.
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'Iron Mike' hasn't fought since 2005 competitively, and doctors have dished out medical warnings to the heavyweight icon over potential brain damage fears.
And in a potential fresh blow to Tyson's planned bout, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, who will sanction the event if it is in a professional capacity, insist they will have the final say.
The TLDR communications manager Tela Mange explained the specific criteria Tyson will need to abide by to be cleared to fight in a sanctioned contest.
Mange told , that fighters over 36 are required to pass a electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (EKG) to be cleared to fight in the ring.
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The TLDR also revealed that they can request additional testing, and even if they are satisfied with Tyson's results, the final decision will be at the organisations' discretion.
She also added: “It’s pretty common for a promoter to request a date several months out but not immediately provide the proposed card.
"They want to be sure that they’ve secured the date with us, since we’ll have to make sure we have appropriate staffing available for any event.’’
Promoter Holden Boxing, in conjunction with Most Valuable Promotions, are seeking the bout under professional rules, which has concerned the boxing world.
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The former undisputed world champion was seen using a walking stick just a matter of months ago, despite fighting Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition in 2020.
Paul has insisted the event will not be a 'gimmick' and revealed that he chose to propose the event given the sizeable interest and revenue that will be on offer.
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Tyson has been attempting to allay fears by posting footage of him using his trademark power in training, but fans still aren't convinced.
It was already a difficult end to his professional career in his final years, suffering back-to-back losses against Danny Williams and Kevin McBride in 2005 before hanging up his gloves.
It could be a more disappointing end if he is stopped by Paul, who has fought just nine times as a professional to date.
Some are even hopeful that the event does not take place seriously, and is instead 'scripted' in an entertainment style format.
The iconic power-hitter's current trainer Rafael Cordeiro has defended his return to the ring, insisting preparations are going as planned.
But many have questioned the motivation of Tyson despite his training footage, insisting it could be rehashed from his previous exploit against Jr.
Paul could surprisingly be favourite to beat Tyson given their difference in age, which would be an extremely peculiar sight for boxing fans.
Both fighters' teams are pursuing a clash under professional rules, which could bring another disappointing stain on Tyson's record if he loses this summer.
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