MIKE TYSON insists he is healthy enough to face Jake Paul in a professional boxing match on November 15.
The former world heavyweight champion, who turned 58 in June, was supposed to face the Youtuber turned boxer on July 20.
However he suffered what was confirmed as an ‘in-flight medical emergency’ in May due to a stomach ulcer issue and was forced to pull out from the initial date.
It was suggested that the problem might keep him out of this fight with Paul, 27, altogether and that Netflix’s boxing debut could be canned.
But the pair came face-to-face at a bizarre press conference in New York on Sunday to relaunch the event, which is now set for November 15. Tyson did not say much despite a barrage of abuse from Paul, who was heavily booed, but he did confirm he is healthy enough to fight.
Tyson said: “It’s happening, we’re all here. I’m very prepared. I had a small adversity, I got sick but I’m better. I feel good. I’m just ready. I can talk my shit but I’m ready to fight. Is he really a young killer?
“Who else is he going to fight to make this happen? You just have to look at the facts – you’ve got a Youtuber fighting the greatest fighter that ever lived.”
The pair will meet at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in an eight-twos bout, which will be fully sanctioned as a professional fight. The result will go down on both fighters’ records.
Paul said: “I’m here to make $40m and knockout a legend. I don’t give a fuck about anything else. He’s the one who wanted it to be a professional fight so he’s going to get his ass knocked out for real, on a real record. You’re going to see it on Boxrec. I was ready before but you needed a break. Did your tummy hurt?”
Paul was booed throughout the press conference in New York, the home city of Tyson. In response, the said: “Hey New York shut the fuck up, New York. Boo yourselves, New York. Hey New York you’re just like Mike Tyson, you were good 20 years ago. Fuck you New York. Dumbass democratic city.
“They’ll never give me credit, that’s the way it is. If I was walking on water they would say it’s because I couldn’t swim. This is to make history. People think I’m going to get knocked out by this strong, powerful guy, but what happens when I put this man to sleep? This shit is not a joke.”
The pair were eventually brought together for a head-to-head picture and Tyson shadowboxed in front of Paul, the taller of the pair, and playfully jabbed him in the chest. They then both shoved each other in the chest. This circus is officially back on.