Mike Tyson receives early rejection for Jake Paul fight over health fears
Mike Tyson claims to be "doing great" after suffering a health scare in mid-air onboard a flight to Los Angeles but it has scared some off from working with him
Mike Tyson faces a fresh blow to preparations for his upcoming fight with Jake Paul. The boxing icon is set to face the influencer-turned-boxer on July 20 in Texas.
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Despite a recent health scare, where Tyson experienced dizziness and nausea due to an ulcer flare-up during a flight, the 57-year-old insists he's "doing great". However, the American rap duo Cam'ron and Ma$e have revealed they were approached to perform for Tyson's ring walk against Paul but declined the offer following his health incident.
Speaking on 'Come and Talk 2 Me', they said: "They offered us the walk-out with Mike Tyson," adding, "This was before this incident and I'm like, 'I'm not sure if I want to do that.'"
The rappers expressed concern about being blamed if Tyson does not win, saying: "Now, I'm probably not going to do it because I don't want people blaming me for nothing when he don't win. If we walk Mike out and Mike don't win, I don't know if I need that type of pressure."
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One member of the duo suggested that Tyson might be looking for a way out of the fight. While expressing hope for Tyson's well-being, they questioned the status of the fight.
"I hope Mike is well but it sounds like Mike is trying to get a way out," he said. "I know he shouldn't need one but if they took him off this plane, we want to make sure he's well.
"But are we having a fight or not? Is the fight still on? Before this, I had Mike winning the fight. Now, I don't know."
Tyson, who turns 58 just weeks before his comeback fight, has been advised by fans and fellow fighters that he should not be competing at his age. Nathan Howarth, Development and Operations Director at the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, has expressed concerns about 'Iron Mike' potentially suffering a brain injury in the fight.
Speaking to Betway, he said: "Boxing has an inherent risk of concussion and then there's an increased risk of traumatic brain injury we have seen like bleeds on the brain,".
"I'm not saying there is any evidence that as an older fighter, Mike would be at risk of that, however, we do know the impacts of subclinical concussions. It's particularly important for someone like Mike Tyson who has had a long period of time in the sport anyway."