Mike Tyson replacement for Jake Paul steps forward after heavyweight legend's health issue

Boxing sensation Ryan Garcia has thrown his hat into the ring as a potential stand-in for Mike Tyson, following concerns about Tyson's health ahead of his much-anticipated bout with Jake Paul. Tyson experienced a health scare on a recent flight from Miami to Los Angeles, requiring medical attention after suffering dizziness and nausea due to an ulcer.

Despite the incident, Tyson is in good spirits and remains committed to facing off against Paul in Texas on July 20. In light of Tyson's scare, Garcia, who is currently embroiled in controversy over a failed drug test after his victory over Devin Haney, reached out to Paul via social media. "If you're down to fight, if Mike can't do it, let me know, and I will fill in," he proposed.

However, Paul, who has been accused of inflating his weight to 230lb for his heavyweight debut, dismissed the offer, stating: "Everyone is trying to do everything they can to hurt this fight and attack me. You should know about that."

Despite fighting at super-lightweight and being nearly 100lb lighter than Paul, Garcia has had a tumultuous relationship with the influencer-turned-boxer, even expressing regret for introducing Paul to the sport.

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"I can't do this... I feel so fing bad for introducing Jake Paul to boxing. I fed up. I can't allow this to happen. He's disrespecting my sport, he's disrespecting everything," he said. "Call my team, Jake... I'm going to end this Jake Paul boxing thing. Bring it on Jake, I'm dead... serious... hit my team up."

Paul welcomed the challenge when he was questioned about Garcia's comments. "Ryan, I love you and you know that but you've got to chill out bro. There's a line but you just seem like you're losing your mind and acting thirsty and desperate," he said in response.

Paul has dismissed fears over Tyson's health despite the fact the former undisputed heavyweight world champion will be 58 when he steps through the ropes. Tyson's last professional bout was in 2005 when he retired on his stool after five rounds of his fight with Kevin McBride.

Paul has a boxing record of nine wins and one loss, with six by knockouts. His only loss was a split-decision defeat against Tommy Fury, and in his most recent fight, Paul defeated Ryan Bourland by first-round TKO.