Jake Paul‘s upcoming fight with Mike Tyson is set to delay his long-awaited MMA debut, initially slated for this year.
The Youtuber-turned-boxer is going up against the former unified heavyweight champion, Tyson, in a controversial worldwide exhibition match in July.
The showdown between the pair, who are separated by 30 years of age, has drawn criticism from many athletes and pundits due to the dangers involved for both competitors.
However, the duo appear to be taking everything in their stride as they work through their training camps ahead of meeting in the ring at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Though, it appears the bout has thrown Paul’s schedule into disarray, with his MMA debut now unlikely to take place this year, according to PFL boss Donn Davis.
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Jake Paul was expected to make his PFL debut this year, having penned a multi-year contract with the promotion in January 2023
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PFL boss Donn Davis has revealed that Paul’s timelines have changed on account of his increased involvement in boxing
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Tyson and Jake Paul will face each other this summer in an exhibition aired live on Netflix
‘The good news is, if people didn’t think Jake was serious about combat, he’s proven to be serious,’ Davis said. ‘He’s certainly got better. He’s doubled down on boxing at the minute, there’s no question about it.’
Paul signed a multi-year deal with the PFL in January 2023, and was given the title ‘head of fighter advocacy’ at the promotion.
The PFL is also the home of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, though he has yet to debut for the organisation with a promotional debut slated for this year.
‘There was a time when he might have done 50/50 of both and right now it looks like he might be 90/10 in favour of boxing over MMA.’ Davis added.
‘So, his development in MMA is not coming along as quickly as we thought. Will he fight for the PFL? One hundred per cent.
‘Will he move to MMA? One hundred per cent. Is the timing delayed? It is.’
Anticipation of Paul’s clash with Tyson is beginning to build ahead of the summer date. Tyson recently shared a clip of his heavy-hitting drills that show the 57-year-old is training to be in prime condition, while Paul appears to be taking a more relaxed approach to preparations.
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Mike Tyson posted a fearsome training video to his X page – along with a message for Jake Paul
The 57-ear-old’s last official bout was in 2005, whilst Paul has been boxing at the pro level since 2020.
The former heavyweight champion claimed he was ‘scared to death’ ahead of the fight, but added ‘This is a guy who’s going to try and hurt me, which I’m accustomed to, and he’s going to be greatly mistaken.’
