Amir Khan has expressed his willingness to step in for Mike Tyson to fight Jake Paul, provided the YouTube star sheds significant weight.
Heavyweight legend Iron Mike was originally scheduled to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer on July 20. But the match has been postponed due to Tyson’s medical unfitness following an ulcer flare-up during a flight last week. Tyson now hopes for the bout to occur between October and December.
Khan, a former world champion who weighed around 140lb at his peak, retired two years ago after losing to his long-time rival Kell Brook. Despite being 37, he is open to replacing Tyson but insists that Paul, who recently bulked up to 230lb, must lose substantial weight.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s fight has been postponed (Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
He added: “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.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Tyson experienced a stomach ulcer, postponing the fight (Image: Getty)
“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.”
‘Iron Mike’ has confirmed he is in reasonable health despite his recent health scare, and doctors have recommended a few weeks rest before he recommences his training. Moreover, Tyson’s last sparring match-up, Roy Jones Jr, has offered himself as a possible substitute competitor, aiming to get into form on the off chance he is selected.
Since the incident in the final week of May, several boxers have expressed interest in replacing Tyson. However, Tyson and Paul announced their intention to reschedule the fight, aiming to keep the original matchup intact.
The postponement was implemented to ensure both fighters would have adequate time for rest, training, and recovery to perform at their best on fight night. As of now, the new date for the Tyson vs. Paul fight is expected to be released on June 7.