The fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul could end up collapsing, but another boxer has stepped forward as a replacement for the former.
Sakio Bika, the former WBC super middleweight champion, has expressed his willingness to take on Jake Paul if Mike Tyson cannot participate in their scheduled fight.
The bout between Tyson and Paul, despite their 30-year age difference, is set for July 20 in Texas. Both fighters have confirmed the fight is on, yet there’s a chance the agreement might fall through.
Over the weekend, it was revealed that Tyson, due to his age of 57, must clear two medical tests to be allowed back into the ring.
According to USA Today, Tyson needs to provide ‘favorable results’ from both an electroencephalogram (EEG), which assesses brain disorders, and an electrocardiogram (EKG), which checks for heart issues. Additional tests may be demanded by boxing authorities if deemed necessary.
Bika has proposed himself as a potential replacement for Tyson in an interview with World Boxing News, should Tyson be unable to compete.
“At the moment, I am staying in shape and ready if the right offer comes my way,” he said.
“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. Mike Tyson is an all-time great boxer; he was a 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.”
