The upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on July 20 has been postponed.
Tyson experienced a health issue on a flight from Los Angeles to Miami that required medical attention Sunday. Initially, it didn’t appear that it would affect the fight, but that has changed after Tyson’s most recent health checkup.
“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,” read an official statement.
A new fight date is expected to be announced June 7, and AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, remains the desired location.
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover,” Tyson said in a statement. “My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Tyson vs. Paul was sanctioned as a professional bout scheduled for eight two-minute rounds and contested at heavyweight with 14-ounce gloves. Tyson, 57, hasn’t won a professional boxing match since 2003. If and when they step into the ring, the fight will feature the largest age gap in professional boxing history with Tyson turning 58 on June 30 and YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul being 27.
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night,” Paul said in a statement. “My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake — when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Paul vs. Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
Jaron Ennis defeats David Avanesyan, retains IBF title
Jaron Ennis retained his IBF welterweight title with a fifth-round TKO victory over David Avanesyan on Saturday before 14,000-plus at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
Ennis, ESPN’s No. 3 welterweight, was fighting in his hometown for the first time since 2018. The 26-year-old floored Avanesyan in Round 5 with a counter right hand; the challenger retired on his stool following the frame.
“I felt off a little bit. … My timing was a little off,” said Ennis, who was competing for the first time in a year. “I want the big names, Terence Crawford.”
Ennis (32-0, 28 KOs) unloaded with furious combinations to Avanesyan’s face and midsection. He outlanded Avanesyan 152 to 53, 46% to 53%. Avanesyan’s face was badly swollen at the conclusion.
“The future of Boots Ennis is the future of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, which signed Ennis to a multifight deal earlier this year. “I think he beats everyone. I think he’s just a special fighter that needs to be tested against the best in the world. … He’s going to be around for a long time.”
Hearn said he would look to stage another fight for Ennis in October or November.
“The plan is [title] unifications before he moves to 154 [pounds], which is inevitable at some point.”
Indeed, Ennis was the far bigger and stronger man. He also possessed far quicker hands and reflexes as he was in total control from the opening bell with his southpaw jab.
Ennis had originally been set to fight mandatory challenger Cody Crowley, who in June was forced to withdraw from the bout. Crowley underwent double eye surgery in November and didn’t receive medical clearance.
Avanesyan (30-5-1 18 KOs) stepped in on a month’s notice and wasn’t remotely competitive. A 35-year-old Russian fighting out of the U.K., Avanesyan scored a comeback win in December, his first action since he was spectacularly KO’d by Crawford one year prior.
Avanesyan entered the ring rated No. 8 by ESPN at 147 pounds. He defeated a faded version of Hall of Famer “Sugar” Shane Mosley in 2016 for the WBA interim welterweight title. Avanesyan was elevated to champion ahead of his first defense vs. Lamont Peterson, who beat him via decision.
