Dana White has been coy about his prediction for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. But that might not be the case since he reserves judgment about ‘Iron’ Mike making it to the fight. Yet, when the question did pose itself, like all other fans the UFC CEO remains hopeful.
During Callum Walsh’s Irish all-star boxing affair along with girlfriend and UFC Women’s Strawweight Tabatha Ricci present ringside, White fielded some pro boxing topics. The UFC bossman recently got into the boxing broadcasting affair, telecasting Walsh’s win over Przemyslaw Runowski. During a Q&A, Dana White said that he was unsure if Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul would go ahead, however, he is hoping on.
[On the fight] Ah, I’m hoping what you’re all hoping…I don’t know [if it happens], that remains to be seen.
Dana White during Dublin 3Arena #WalshRunowski LIVE weigh-in Media Day pre-fight presser; H/T: bloodyelbow.com
The UFC boss is close friends with the HW boxing icon, while also having a long-running feud with YouTuber-turned-boxer (he says otherwise). Subsequently, he stated that the legend shouldn’t be fighting at the age of 58. Despite the man’s protestations, there has been much worry over Tyson’s regressing health. Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) now stands as a lifelong cruiserweight making advances. He recently faded out Mike Perry in an eight-round cruiserweight battle for DAZN pay-per-view.
Paul and Tyson were due to do battle at AT&T Stadium in Dallas in July. But Tyson suffered an in-flight ulcer flare-up. Despite all that, it was ‘Iron’ who requested the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations to officially have it as a pro-sanction. Dana White said he did not even heed the November date change but remains hopeful from a legacy standpoint. Recent health updates though have been concerning again.
Mike Tyson offers worrying update before Jake Paul fight
With almost two months to go until the new date, there are still many concerns about Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. Many fear that Tyson, who last fought pro in 2005 and has only done a few exhibitions, could be injured. While others maintain that 50% of Tyson (50-6, 44 career KOs) is just enough amount of Tyson to win this.
Mike Tyson informs about yet another setback (Source: ringtv.com/Instagram)Perhaps nothing can highlight the now-31-year age difference any more than his regressing health. Yet, it does. To top it off, ‘Problem Child,’ a cruiserweight, with a 200-pound hydration limit, is now an active professional boxer. It was fun and games when people thought this wouldn’t be a fully pro-sanction bout. That all has consequently changed now.
The visual imagery of a weaker Tyson in a wheelchair or with a cane occasionally did not help before the non-gimmicky fight. Then a cross-country ulcer flare-up during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles really opened the floodgates. Mike Tyson is in a lot better shape now, with shades of his old ferocity. However, he had another grim update.
It’s hard to walk right now, …But two months from now I’m going to be perfect. The fight is won in the gym. Listen, I’ll do anything that will help me…
Mike Tyson during Cage Wars 67 Live Active desk commentary
Ex-UFC heavyweight and recent pro boxing student Francis Ngannou has presented ‘Iron’ as nimble as ever. Camp Tyson and old coaches have also postulated that Tyson’s non-vibrant appearance may be deceptive. Come this November, it will be clear if all detractors along with the likes of Dana White were right to be fearful.
