Jake Paul has spoken for the first time since his controversial fight against Mike Tyson was postponed on medical advice on Friday.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul was set to take on former world champion Tyson on July 20 in Texas, but a recent ulcer flare up has left the 57-year-old unable to train.
The incident was the latest of a number of health concerns for Tyson, which have included the veteran claiming he once broke his back, being spotted in a wheelchair, and suggestions that he will die soon.
The fight, which will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix, has been classified as a professional bout, meaning Tyson, who turns 58 on June 30, will return to the professional arena for the first time since 2005.
And, reflecting on the postponement, Paul opened up on his frustrations on Friday night.
Jake Paul has spoken for the first time since his fight against Mike Tyson was postponed
The pair were set to face off on July 20, but a recent ulcer flare up left Tyson unable to train
‘Obviously, devastating news,’ he said on a video shared on X. ‘I’m heartbroken, speechless, gutted. We’ve been working so hard over here in this camp.
‘I just feel bad for everyone involved in this event, the undercard. The opportunity has been ripped from all of us.’
However, despite his personal disappointment, Paul did go onto send his well-wishes to Tyson before he outlined the impact he believes the fight will have on the world of boxing.
He added: ‘I do value Mike’s health first and foremost, love that guy. I have so much respect for him and I want Mike to be healthy.
‘And he says he is still going to knock me out and I bought myself some time, so Mike is still talking s**t over there. You said you wanna do this in Q4, I’m ready, you just need a little bit of time, so I’m ready whenever you are.
‘This is too big of an opportunity and I think this fight is going to change the world and I (will) turn all my Ls into Ws and that’s a motto I live by so…
‘The universe makes no mistakes so let’s see what’s in store. But sorry this didn’t work out to everyone, the fans, love you guys.’
Speaking after the fight was postponed, Tyson had said: ‘I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time.
‘Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover.
‘My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good.
‘I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.’
The incident was the latest of a number of health concerns for the former world champion
The ulcer flare up in question occurred onboard an American Airlines flight from Miami to LA on Sunday, May 26 – forcing flight staff to ask passengers if there was a doctor on board to provide assistance.
Typical symptoms of an ulcer flare up include nausea and vomiting, bloating, belching and gas pain, as well as chest pain and fatigue.
Tyson said that he was ‘doing great’ in recovery, but clearly he wasn’t in good enough health to keep fighting. He even previously joked that he ‘doesn’t need’ to be at 100 percent in order to beat Paul.
The fight – which has faced significant criticism due to the vast age gap between Paul and Tyson – was also supposed to have a co-main event: the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. But that too appears to have been pushed back as a result of Tyson’s medical emergency.
When announcing the delay, Most Valuable Promotions, who are staging the event, said that Paul-Tyson will be rescheduled for a later date.
In a statement they said: ‘The upcoming highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will unfortunately be postponed.
‘During a follow up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals on his recent ulcer flare up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations.
‘Both Mike and Jake are in agreement that it is only fair to ensure that both athletes have equal training time to prepare for this important match and are able to compete at the highest level.
Paul was ‘heartbroken’ and ‘gutted’ but said the 57-year-old’s health was more important
The co-main event of Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will also likely be pushed back
‘The health and well-being of athletes is our top priority, and we fully support Mike in taking the necessary time to allow him to perform at the level he expects of himself.
‘Mike is expected to return to his full training schedule in the coming weeks and is eager to get back in the ring.
‘MVP anticipates rescheduling the match to later this year at AT&T Stadium, and we look forward to an exciting and well-prepared contest between these two exceptional athletes. The new date of the fight will be announced by next Friday, June 7th.’
