British boxing legend Amir Khan has offered to replace Mike Tyson in his postponed Jake Paul fight.
‘Iron Mike’ was scheduled to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in a professionally sanctioned fight on July 20 at the Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas. The controversial bout has now been delayed until further notice after Tyson was deemed medically unfit to fight following an ulcer flare up he suffered whilst onboard a flight last week.
Former world champion Khan retired from boxing two years ago after a one-sided loss to bitter rival Kell Brook but is open to a ring return against Paul. Khan weighed around 140lb during his prime in the ring and would likely give up a huge weight disadvantage if he fought Paul, who weighs as much as Deontay Wilder after bulking up for his ill-fated Tyson fight.
Mike Tyson faces off with Jake Paul
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Daniel McGregor-Huyer/REX/Shutterstock (14485997c) Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson (L) and Professional boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul (R) do a face off during a pre-fight conference held at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas, USA, 16 May 2024. The Tyson versus Paul heavyweight boxing match will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on 20 July 2024. Jake Paul v Mike Tyson & Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano Press Conference, Arlington, Texas, USA – 16 May 2024 ( Image: Daniel McGregor-Huyer/REX/Shutterstock)
“If the weights are right,” Khan told Offshore Poker Sites. “I don’t mind giving away 20 pounds. It just depends on the weight because I know Jake has put on a lot of weight to fight Mike. Jake is not normally that big, but he’s put on a lot of mass, so it depends on him, whether he’s willing to lose that weight and we find some middle ground somewhere.
“Let’s see, but I’ve had no calls about that, so I assume they’re still hoping to fight Mike, he’s not going to want to take a beating before that. These guys are half way training, drinking in camp – they don’t even have a camp – they’re making the sport look bad, so if it means I have to knock out KSI, Jake Paul and his brother Logan to teach them a lesson, I will.
“I don’t think Jake Paul will want anything to do with me to be honest. I want to put this influencer boxing to rest because these guys are destroying boxing and until they get a good beating, they won’t realise that boxing is for real fighters who take the sport seriously.”
Tyson has since called for his rescheduled fight against Paul to take place between October and December. The 57-year-old has insisted he is in good health despite his recent health scare but has been advised by his doctor to lighten training for a few weeks after his ulcer flare up.
