UFC president Dana White has revealed he spoke to Mike Tyson’s wife about the boxing icon’s scheduled fight with Jake Paul to reassure him that the heavyweight icon is ‘taking it serious’.
The fight between Paul and Tyson was announced earlier this month with concerns raised about the age difference between the two.
There’s 31 years between the pair as they prepare to go toe-to-toe in Texas on July 20.
Doctors have raised serious health concerns for Tyson, who will be 58 years of age when he steps into the ring with Paul.
Mike Tyson’s wife Lakiha ‘Kiki’ Spicer appears confident her husband will take it serious
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Tony Bellew recently admitted he was concerned about ‘Iron Mike’ and admitted to hoping the fight would be ‘scripted’.
White, who is close friends with Tyson, was also surprised when he found out about the fight with Paul.
He doesn’t agree with the heavyweight boxing icon stepping into the ring at his age, but has been reassured by his wife, Lakiha ‘Kiki’ Spicer.
“I love Mike Tyson and I’m not a fan of anybody fighting at our age,” White said.
“But he’s a grown man obviously and he’s going to do what he’s going to do.
“I talked to his wife a couple of days ago and he’s taking it serious and he’s training for it.
“I think Mike Tyson is one of the most unique guys who has crossed over.
“Any of the other fighters from his generation have no way of making money without fighting and Mike Tyson has made a lot of money outside of fighting.
Jake Paul is more than 30 years younger than Mike Tyson
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“Tyson still has that aura that you could be in a restaurant, you’d be like ‘Holy f***, Mike Tyson is here.’
“He still has that aura and energy in a room, he makes lots of money outside of the ring.
“But I think he ends up getting these offers that he can’t refuse.”
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Mike Tyson has been in training
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It’s also been reported that the fight could still be cancelled if Tyson fails an unusual test included in the rules.
The final decision rests with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TLDR), who require all fighters over the age of 38 to submit favourable electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (EKG) results.
The tests aim to try and identify any underlying brain disorders and heart problems.
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