Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Backup Fighter Revealed: Ex-UFC Star Could Replace Boxer Amid Health Scare
Jake Paul allegedly tapped a UFC icon as a potential backup opponent if Mike Tyson cannot fight in their upcoming boxing match.
Tyson's medical emergency Sunday has had some fans questioning whether the former heavyweight champion would be able to take on Paul in July.
If Tyson does end up backing out of the match, retired mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen claimed that he'll be the one to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in the upcoming bout.
"I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson's backup, wasn't it???" Sonnen wrote on X, formerly Twitter, Monday after Tyson's medical scare made headlines.
I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson's backup, wasn't it???
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) May 27, 2024
Boxing fans and social media users were skeptical about his claims, but Sonnen, who retired from fighting five years ago, doubled down on his comments.
"If Jake Paul realizes he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack," Sonnen tweeted Tuesday.
While it is unclear if there's any truth to Sonnen's statements, some X users said they want to see him face Paul in the ring at some point.
"Chael v Jake is the fight to make now. Tyson isn't healthy. Can I ref Chael?" one person commented.
"Is Chael P Sonnen the alternate for the Tyson beatdown of Paul? I approve," another declared.
Read also: Netizens Furious At Jake Paul For Dismissing Mike Tyson Health Scare: 'Be Ashamed Of Yourself'
But Sonnen isn't the only one eager to replace Tyson in the event he's unable to fight.
On Monday, Ryan Garcia revealed that he sent Paul a DM on Instagram saying he would be happy to step in if he needs a new opponent.
"If you down to fight, if Mike can't do it, let me know, I will fill in," read the DM, according to a screenshot Garcia shared on X.
Tyson, however, has dismissed the speculation that he's not ready to take on Paul due to his health.
"Now feeling 100% even though I don't need to be to beat Jake Paul," Tyson wrote on X Tuesday.
The update came more than a day after Tyson reportedly experienced nausea and dizziness due to an ulcer flare-up while onboard a flight from Miami to Los Angeles Sunday evening, according to In Touch Weekly.
Tyson's health issue reportedly required emergency medical personnel to board the plane after landing.
Hours after the 57-year-old boxing champ's medical emergency, Paul assured fans via X that "nothing changed" and that he will still face Tyson in Arlington, Texas, on July 20.
The Tyson vs. Paul fight will be streamed live on Netflix.
