Jake Paul’s huge boxing match against sporting icon Mike Tyson live on Netflix could still be called off even with just days to go, according to reports from within the industry.
And the entire thing comes down to two specific tests that Iron Mike has to take, with everyone holding their breath that things go smoothly.
The fighters are expected to enter the ring at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the early hours of Saturday morning (16 November) with millions around the world set to turn on Netflix and tune in whether on their phones or smart TVs.
Rescheduled from July, the fight had to be pushed back due to Tyson ‘thinking he was going to die’ following a terrifying health ordeal.
Now they’re ready to rock and roll, with both fighters confident of putting the other one aside.
But the fight cannot happen if Tyson fails either of two tests that have to take place before he enters the ring, according to Boxing Kingdom.
Jake Paul during one of the open workouts (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Key tests Mike Tyson must pass to fight Jake Paul
It has been reported that former heavyweight world champion boxer Tyson has to pass two tests relating to his health.
It’s said that he had agreed to them months ago as part of general safety precautions heading into the fight.
Tyson will reportedly have to pass a brain test (EEG) and a heart test (EKG) before he is allowed to step inside the ring.
The tests were authorised and required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Tyson has not been sanctioned for a professional fight in 20 years.
The big fight could still not happen (Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Netflix)
Mike Tyson’s health
In a recent Netflix documentary special released ahead of the fight, Tyson revealed he suffered a serious ulcer flair-up while flying.
In the documentary, the boxer revealed that he was ‘throwing up blood’ and feared he was ‘going to die’.
He said: “A week and a half ago I was training and I was doing great but then all of a sudden I started feeling tired. I was explaining to my trainer, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me’.
“Coming here from Miami on the plane, I went to the bathroom, and I threw up blood. The next thing I know I’m on the floor, I was defecating tar.
“So, I came here, and they found I had a big ulcer, two-and-a-half inches, and it was bleeding. All my friends were calling me like I was dying.”
Reacting to Tyson’s health bombshell, Paul said: “When I received the news that he was out and not able to fight, I was just numb, I was just like, ‘f**k’.”
Paul and Tyson are expected to do their ring walks at 4am GMT on Saturday (16 November).
