Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Boxing, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson
Chris Byfield
A former boxing world champion is 'on standby' to replace Mike Tyson if he is forced to withdraw from his fight against Jake Paul.
Tyson and Paul are due to face off at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 17, with the fight part of Netflix's first-ever live-streamed boxing card.
'Iron Mike', 57, is to come out of retirement for the event, with the bout classified under professional rules.
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Tyson hasn't fought professionally since his 2005 defeat to Kevin McBride, although has had two exhibitions - most recently his 2020 clash against Roy Jones Jr - since then.
On Sunday, Tyson suffered a 'medical emergency' during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
His representatives stated that he became 'nauseous and dizzy' due to an ulcer flare and received medical attention.
The 57-year-old is now 'doing great', with a source stating: "Mike had some kind of medical emergency on the plane and paramedics boarded.
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"Before the paramedics arrived, the flight issued an announcement asking for a doctor - the message even came on everyone's screens."
Speaking to World Boxing News, former WBC super-middleweight champion Sakio Bika, 45, has offered to step in if Tyson is forced to withdraw from the bout at any stage.
The Australian fighter, who was born in Cameroon, won 35 of his 45 professional fights, but has only fought once since 2017.
He said: "At the moment, I am staying in shape and ready if the right offer comes my way.
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"I have reached the top of the sport, becoming a multiple-time world champion and winning the prestigious Contender series.
"I have nothing more to prove to anyone, but I would like to have one more big fight.
"If someone like Jake Paul or his brother would really like to test himself against a recent world champion, I am always ready to fight.
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"Mike Tyson is an all time great boxer; he was hero of mine growing up, and even though he looks in great shape, he is almost 60 years of age!
"If Jake Paul is serious about fighting a former champion, look for someone a lot younger or active within the last decade. I can fight Jake Paul at any weight he wants."