Mike Tyson ‘doing great’ after medical episode on cross-country flight
Mike Tyson: The former heavyweight boxing champion returns to the ring on July 20. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is “doing great” after experiencing a medical episode while on a cross-country flight from Miami to Los Angeles on Sunday, his representative said.
Tyson, 57, who was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990, “became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing,” his representative said. “He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him.”
Medical personnel boarded the plane when it landed to assist Tyson, ESPN reported.
InTouch Weekly was the first media outlet to report Tyson’s situation.
“The Baddest Man on the Planet” is scheduled to face 27-year-old Jake Paul in a boxing match on July 20, ESPN reported.
The fight, which will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and aired on Netflix, is “Iron Mike’s” first bout since an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, according to CNN. It will be his first professional match since losing by a technical knockout to Kevin McBride in 2005.
Paul, a social media influencer-turned-fighter, is 9-1 since turning professional in January 2020, according to The Athletic.
Tyson’s representative knocked down rumors that the fight was delayed because of the fighter’s medical condition, ESPN reported.
“It’s false reporting that his medical attention caused the flight delay,” the spokesperson said. “This two-hour delay was due to an air conditioning issue on the aircraft.”
Tyson, who at age 20 became the youngest boxer to win the heavyweight title when he defeated Trevor Berbick on Nov. 22, 1986, has a 50-6 career record with 44 knockouts.
He was the first unified heavyweight champion in the three-belt area and held the title until a stunning loss to James “Buster” Douglas on Feb. 11, 1990, in Tokyo.
Through the years Los Angeles, CA - 1984: Mike Tyson at Summer Olympics boxing trials, Memorial Sports Arena. (Photo by Ken Regan /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Con)
Through the years View of American model Beverly Johnson and heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson as the attend a performance in Harlem's Apollo Theater, New York, New York, 1984. (Photo by Shawn Walker/Getty Images) (Shawn Walker/Getty Images)
Through the years ATLANTIC CITY - JANUARY 24,1986: Mike Tyson (R) lands a right hook against Mike Jameson during the fight at the Trump Plaza Hotel, on January 24,1986 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mike Tyson won by a TKO 5.
(Photo by: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images) (The Ring Magazine/The Ring Magazine via Getty Imag)
Through the years WALSALL, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 18: Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson meets up with a pigeon fancier Horace Potts (L), of Bloxwich, Walsall, West Midlands on November 18, 2005 in Walsall, England. Tyson who is well known for his love of pigeons dropped in to the home of pigeon fancier Horace Watts whilst on route to Birmingham, England, for a hotel dinner boxing event. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images) (Stringer/Getty Images)
Through the years CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 21: Former Boxer Mike Tyson arrives at the 'Che' Premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2008 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Through the years NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 02: Mike Tyson takes part in a curtain call following his "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" Broadway Opening Night at Longacre Theatre on August 2, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Through the years HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 08: Mike Tyson with his wife Kiki Tyson arrive at the opening Night Of "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" At The Pantages Theatre at the Pantages Theatre on March 8, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Through the years BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JULY 25: Mike Tyson speaks onstage during the "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truthts" panel discussion at the HBO portion of the 2013 Summer Television Critics Association tour - Day 2 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 25, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Through the years LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 10: Former boxer and inductee Mike Tyson arrives at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame inaugural induction gala at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on August 10, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Through the years SANTA MONICA, CA - MAY 20: Actor/Comedian Tommy Davidson (L) and former professional boxer Mike Tyson attend the B. Riley & Co. and Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation's 5th Annual "Big Fighters, Big Cause" Charity Boxing Night at the Santa Monica Pier on May 20, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation) (Mark Davis)
Through the years LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 09: Former boxer Evander Holyfield (L) is inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame by former boxer Mike Tyson at the second annual induction gala at the New Tropicana Las Vegas on August 9, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Through the years LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 06: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was processed using digital filters) Comedian/actor Jon Lovitz (L) and former boxer Mike Tyson joke around as they arrive at the kickoff of Lovitz's 20-show residency "Reunited" with Dana Carvey at The Foundry at SLS Las Vegas on January 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for SLS Las Vegas) (Ethan Miller)
Through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 28: Mike Tyson exits the ring after receiving a split draw against Roy Jones Jr. during Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. presented by Triller at Staples Center on November 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Triller) (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Triller)
Through the years LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 07: Former boxer Mike Tyson attends the junior welterweight bout between Montana Love and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela at T-Mobile Arena on May 07, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (Al Bello/Getty Images)