Jake Paul has opened up about feeling “numb” after boxing legend Mike Tyson had to delay their highly anticipated fight. Originally scheduled for July, the match was postponed after Tyson suffered a severe ulcer flare-up during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. Doctors discovered a two-and-a-half-inch bleeding ulcer, forcing Tyson to reschedule the fight for November 15, now set to take place in Texas in front of an expected 80,000 fans.
In a recent Netflix documentary, Paul shared his disappointment over the delay. “When I heard he couldn’t fight, I was just numb,” he explained. “I’m someone who likes having a schedule, and this really threw me off. It was out of my control.”
Despite the setback, Paul remains excited about the opportunity to face Tyson, saying, “If Mike Tyson wants to fight me, of course I’m saying yes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step in the ring with one of the most iconic boxers of all time. To me, he’s a killer, so I didn’t expect this delay.”
While waiting for the rescheduled match, Paul took on former UFC fighter and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry on the original fight date, winning by a sixth-round knockout. He added, “The Tyson fight is huge, but I have a goal to become world champion, and I’m not slowing down.”
Tyson, who last fought in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. four years ago, will return to the ring officially for the first time since his retirement against Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago. Their fight will feature two eight-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves for added protection, marking a significant moment in Tyson’s storied career and an exciting challenge for Paul.