With rumors that Mike Tyson might not make it to his planned fight with Jake Paul this summer, a boxing legend who previously fought “Iron Mike” is open to the idea of replacing him against the fight game disruptor.
Although it is not a match-up that has relevance in any division of boxing, there is a lot of interest around the scheduled bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The YouTuber turned boxer has a sizable fanbase he brings with him while the former heavyweight champion is an icon of the sport who retired earlier than some wanted.
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However, the fight planned for July 20 was put in dire straits last week when MVP Promotions announced it was postponed following a health scare the 57-year-old had during a flight. While the promotion claims a new fight date will be announced this week, many have doubts the bout will actually occur.
That is why there have been many fighters around the combat sports world who have tossed their name in the hat to potentially be a replacement for Tyson. And now multi-division champion and boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. can be added to the list of interested athletes.
Roy Jones Jr. making plans to replace Mike Tyson in fight against Jake Paul
“I’m kind of thinking about that. I might try and get into shape in case that happens,” Jones Jr. told Betway this week. Maybe I get myself in shape for that because I never thought about doing it before but with the situation of the fight, I think that’s a great idea and I’ll be ready and in shape because if the fight doesn’t happen then the ideal guy to substitute in place of Mike Tyson to fight Jake Paul is something I have been thinking about.”
The 66-10 former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion has not fought since an April 2023 loss to former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Jones Jr. competed against Tyson in a highly successful exhibition bout in 2020. He is three years younger than the soon-to-be 58-year-old Tyson.
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