Legendary MMA world champion Demetrious Johnson believes that the postponement of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson should be made permanent.
The social media star was due to face heavyweight boxing icon Tyson on July 20, but the bout was pulled when the 58-year-old suffered an ulcer flare-up during a flight. Doctors have ordered the former undisputed champion to take a lengthy break from training before returning later this year.
But Johnson, who is one of the most decorated world champions in UFC history, believes that they shouldn’t reschedule the bout. Instead, he reckons, Paul should face another big name in a safer bout, despite the insistence of broadcaster Netflix, who are making their first foray into boxing.
Demetrious Johnson calls for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson to be canceled
Johnson has been analysing Paul’s career on his successful ‘Mighty’ YouTube channel for a while, and has covered this fight in detail. But speaking yesterday on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, he called on Netflix to pull the plug on the Tyson comeback fight.
“Mike Tyson is 58 years old,” Johnson explained. “I don’t know what his health history is. I think the biggest thing is you have someone who is 58 years old trying to push his body to the absolute limit, moving and I don’t know if he’s sparring or anything like that.
“I love Jake Paul and I want to see Jake Paul fight. And there are so many f***ing boxers out there that he can fight and pad his record with. I understand Mike Tyson is a big name and that’s why they want to do it but I don’t think they should revisit it.”
Demetrious Johnson wants to see Jake Paul vs KSI grudge fight ahead of Mike Tyson bout
Instead of seeing a rescheduled Paul vs Tyson, Johnson would rather watch the social media star do battle with arguably his greatest rival; KSI. The duo have been feuding since 2018, and Jake was forced to watch his brother Logan Paul lose a controversial split decision to the Brit in 2019.
“There’s plenty of guys out there that Jake Paul can fight,” Johnson added. “KSI is one of them, he could even fight T-Wood [Tyron Woodley] again. He could fight Mike Perry, Jorge Masvidal, Anthony Pettis. There’s so many guys.
“There are guys that are younger than Mike Tyson but older than him that he can beat who have a big name. But I just think him fighting Mike Tyson? The guy is 58 and I don’t want to see Mike get hurt, right? That’s just my personal opinion, it’s nothing against Jake or Mike.
“There’s just reason for him fighting a 58-year-old. I’m sure Eddie Hearn could find someone for Jake Paul to fight. This is the stupidest f***ing thing that’s happening right now.”
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson postponed over medical emergency
Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, which he owns alongside former UFC CFO Nakisa Bidarian, announced on Friday that Tyson was taking some time off training and that the bout would be rescheduled. The break was ordered by doctors after an ulcer flare-up saw him attended to by paramedics on a flight.
After insisting that he felt “100 per cent” immediately after the flight incident leaked to the press, Tyson was told by doctors that he should take some time away from training for his comeback bout. As such, they have set a new date, which will be announced this week.
A press release from the company read: “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.
“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.”
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