Jake Paul is still planning to share the ring with Mike Tyson despite the boxing legend admitting he is suffering with sciatica.
YouTube star Paul launched a career in the boxing ring in 2020 and has been linked with some of the sport's biggest names including Canelo Alvarez and Tyson. Reports last year claimed the pair had agreed to a lucrative boxing match, which were swiftly shut down before the heavyweight reopened the door to a potential clash.
Despite suggesting he could return, images of Tyson emerged which sparked concern with the boxing legend spotted looking frail while sat in a wheelchair at the airport. The 56-year-old has now revealed that episodes of his illness have been leaving him unable to speak.
"I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up," he said during an interview on NewsMax TV. "When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have."
Although Tyson has been seen suffering with the condition, when asked last week which boxing star he would like to face next Paul remained keen on a bout with the legendary heavyweight. “Mike Tyson,” Paul said. “That would be crazy, yeah. And I have so much respect for him. He’s another one of my idols. And I think he said he wanted to do the fight. Mike, where you at, bro? Let’s make it happen.”
Tyson's condition is known to impact his nerve endings which has seen him suffer pain with his back leaving him wheelchair bound on occasions temporarily. Health concerns previously rose for Tyson after he claimed that his "expiration date" was nearing, despite looking healthy when remaining in boxing training.
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The American star made a comeback against Roy Jones Jr in a successful exhibition back in 2020, during which Paul made an appearance on the undercard knocking out basketball player Nate Robinson. Since then Paul and Tyson have been linked to a fight with the experienced professional frequently praising the YouTuber's new influence in the sport.
He had previously shut down an exhibition with the social media star 30 years his junior, but recently suggested that a fight could happen but only if it takes place before the turn of 2023. "Anything is possible but it has got to happen this year," Tyson responded when asked about a clash with the YouTube star on the Jimmy Kimmel show. "That could be very interesting. He is skilled enough and I will give it to him because he is winning.
"Even if he is fighting fighters that aren't meant to be good enough, they should still be beating him but they can't. He is beating people that he shouldn't really be beating so you have to give him credit."
