The boxing legend ‘Iron Mike’ is set to throw down with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a controversial crossover clash in July, and his participation in the crossover clash is subject to stringent medical tests.
Mike Tyson is at risk of being pulled from the Texas tussle on medical grounds and could be pulled from his upcoming clash with Jake Paul should he fail additional pre-fight medicals.
Notwithstanding, a former 168lbs WBC super-middleweight king Sakio Bika is willing to step in and replace ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’ should he be deemed unfit to compete, The Sun reports.
He told World Boxing News: “At the moment, I am staying in shape and ready if the right offer comes my way.
“I have reached the top of the sport, becoming a multiple-time world champion and winning the prestigious Contender series.
“I have nothing more to prove to anyone, but I would like to have one more big fight.
“If someone like Jake Paul or his brother would really like to test himself against a recent world champion, I am always ready to fight.
“Mike Tyson is an all-time great boxer; he was a hero of mine growing up, and even though he looks in great shape, he is almost 60 years of age!
“If Jake Paul is serious about fighting a former champion, look for someone a lot younger or active within the last decade.”
Meanwhile, Mike Tyson, 57, has admitted he is “scared to death” ahead of his fight with Jake Paul.
The heavyweight boxing icon takes on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.
Tyson officially retired in 2005 but did return in 2020 to draw over eight exhibition rounds with fellow great Roy Jones Jr.
The Baddest Man on The Planet was full of nerves back then four years ago – and nothing has changed now.
He told FoxNews: “I have a weird personality – I don’t think it’s weird though.
“Whatever I’m afraid to do, I do it. That’s how it is. I was afraid of the Roy fight.
“I was 100lbs overweight, I was however old, 54, 53, and I said, ‘Let’s do it.’
“Anything I’m afraid of, I confront it. That’s my personality. Right now, I’m scared to death.
“I always believed that adversity and nervousness pretty much catapulted me into success.
“If I didn’t have these feelings, I wouldn’t go into this fight. I have to have these feelings to fight. Without them, I would never go in the ring.”
