World Boxing Information can reveal that Mike Tyson’s boxing license stays unchanged since a abdomen ulcer drawback delayed the Jake Paul combat.
WBN contacted the Texas Division of Licensing and Regulation in regards to the matter after Tyson needed to be handled by paramedics on a flight in Might. The flare-up meant his controversial conflict with YouTuber Paul was postponed from July to November to make sure Tyson was absolutely wholesome.
Nonetheless, World Boxing Information requested TDLR’s Communications Supervisor, Tela Mange, what measures had since been undertaken over Tyson’s licensing. It was a revelation to find that Tyson’s skilled boxing license was granted in Might 2024 and has not been re-evaluated for the November combat regardless of the abdomen drawback.
WBN requested for some assurances that Tyson, 58, would evaluated on account of his age and having been medically handled within the interim. Mange may solely affirm {that a} pre-fight check was deliberate the day earlier than the Paul combat.
Mange completely informed World Boxing Information, “Mike Tyson already submitted the assessments we requested and has been licensed to combat in Texas since Might 2024. As with all combative sports activities occasions in Texas, each fighters may have a pre-fight examination with our medical doctors on the weigh-in the day earlier than the occasion.”
Requested whether or not there was an opportunity the Netflix headliner could possibly be downgraded to an exhibition if Tyson isn’t a hundred percent, Mange responded, “I’m not conscious of any plans to reclassify this bout. It’s nonetheless thought-about to be an expert bout. ”
Mange assured WBN that every one common checks had been in place and that Tyson may nonetheless be topic to extra procedures earlier than buying and selling blows with an lively boxer 31 years youthful than him.
“We’ll proceed to watch the state of affairs and ask for any further testing that we really feel is suitable. Past saying that, I’m not going to invest about what might or might not happen.”
The truth that Tyson will probably be licensed for seven months earlier than taking to the ring at 58 and has had well being points is worrying sufficient with out understanding that no additional well being assessments had been deliberate till November 14. Paul is already taking warmth from skilled fight stars over the occasion after choosing out an aged legend to spice up his boxing profile.
If Tyson obtained injured throughout the combat or Paul precipitated injury to the previous heavyweight champion, the end result could be precarious transferring ahead.
The one different precedent on this case was Evander Holyfield in 2021. Like Tyson, ‘The Actual Deal’ returned at 58 and struggled to maneuver or get pictures off when going through Vitor Belfort.
As quickly as Belfort landed, Holyfield was harm. This early knockdown state of affairs by no means occurred throughout Holyfield’s skilled profession. This state of affairs is proof sufficient that punch resistance is an issue, including additional to the generational decline of any athlete of their fifties.
Hopefully, Mike Tyson will face a stringent well being analysis earlier than being allowed to compete.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
