Mike Tyson’s highly-anticipated return to the boxing ring against Jake Paul is hanging in the balance due to serious concerns over the 57-year-old legend’s stomach ulcer condition. Despite initial optimism that the postponed fight could be rescheduled, recent reports suggest medical experts may never grant Tyson clearance to compete professionally while dealing with the ulcer.
The bout, originally slated for July 20th in Arlington, Texas, was indefinitely called off after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight last week. The incident left the former heavyweight champion nauseous and dizzy, requiring medical attention before the plane landed in Los Angeles.
While Tyson’s team downplayed the scare at first, calling it a minor episode, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is taking no chances. As the sanctioning body for the proposed Paul vs. Tyson professional contest, TDLR is keeping a close watch on “Iron Mike’s” medical status.
According to TDLR communications manager Tela Mange, the primary fear is that any significant impact or trauma during a fight could cause Tyson’s ulcer to rupture, potentially leading to a leak of stomach acid into his abdominal cavity – a life-threatening complication.
“Doctors may never clear Mr. Tyson to box professionally with an active stomach ulcer,” Mange told World Boxing News. “One false move in the ring and his condition could turn grave.”
While Tyson and Paul had met all medical requirements prior to the postponement, TDLR plans to conduct another full physical evaluation ahead of any rescheduled date. Even if somehow cleared, sources suggest the bout may have to be downgraded to an exhibition to obtain a license.
For Tyson, who infamously bit a portion of Evander Holyfield’s ear off during their 1997 rematch, this latest hurdle could prove too much to overcome in his quest to lace up the gloves again nearly two decades after his last professional fight – a 2005 loss to Kevin McBride.
As the combat sports world awaits the final verdict, many are bracing for the sobering reality that Tyson’s ulcer may permanently derail one of the most iconic comebacks in boxing history before it ever truly begins.
