Mike Tyson walked with a cane two years before Jake Paul fight confirmed

08 March 2024 , 13:22

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Mike Tyson's health has come into question in recent years but the ex-heavyweight will fight Jake Paul later this year (Image: X)

Resurfaced footage from 2022 has shown legendary heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson walking with a cane after his fight with YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul was announced on Thursday.

The 57-year-old fight legend announced he will return to the ring against Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on July 20. "He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a 'kid' can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT," Tyson said of Paul, who is 30 years his junior.

Tyson added: "It's a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him.”

'Iron Mike' is referencing Paul competing on the undercard of Tyson's last outing, an eight-round exhibition against former middleweight king Roy Jones Jr., in 2020. Paul has since forged a solid professional career, winning nine and losing just once, with six knockout victories.

However, July's exhibition fight comes despite old footage showing Tyson walking with a support cane. Tyson was also seen using a wheelchair but he shrugged it off as dealing with back issues. "Mike doesn't stand a chance, he won't see round 2," a fan said on social media. "He was in a wheelchair too earlier this year," another added.

Jake Paul calls on John Fury to make retirement bet for fight with son Tommy

Meanwhile, others believe Tyson is capable of tapping into his golden years with more recent clips showing he's still got it with some pad work. The ex-heavyweight unloaded on pads in the gym with renowned MMA coach Rafael Cordeiro. "Tyson still has it look at the power," an admirer said.

Tyson's fight announcement with Paul came hot on the heels of The Problem Child's TKO victory over Ryan Bourland in Puerto Rico. "It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard," Paul said.

Jake Paul won his last fight against Ryan Bourland (Getty)

"Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.

“Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time.

"Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event."

Joshua Mbu