The planned boxing showdown between YouTuber-turned-pugilist Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson won't be going ahead this summer.
Paul and Tyson were due to do battle at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 20, headlining the very first live combat sports event to be broadcast on the Netflix streaming platform.
The bout immediately drew controversy upon its announcement owing to the three-decade age disparity between the former Disney star and the boxing legend, who will be 58 by the time the originally planned fight date rolls around.
And backlash to the professional contest increased recently when "Iron Mike" experienced a health scare while on a flight from Los Angeles to Miami, with images emerging of the veteran boxer in a wheelchair.
That issue, revealed to be ulcer flare-ups, has now caused a postponement.
Netflix took to social media to announce the news, noting that the matchup will be kept together and instead take place toward the end of the year. The venue is expected to remain the same.
"Unfortunately Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will not face-off on July 20 as planned. Tyson’s recent ulcer flare up has limited his ability to train fully for the next few weeks. The fight will be rescheduled for a date later this year after Mike’s able to resume training with no limitations and both fighters can have equal time to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup! Stay tuned for the new fight date to be announced by the end of next week."
The postponement comes after the pair had already completed a brief media tour promoting the now-scrapped summer clash in "The Lone Star State."
Reacting to the news in a statement posted by his Most Valuable Promotions, Paul backed the decision to delay the match until Tyson is able to resume full training following his health issues.
"I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night," Paul said. "My fans know I don't want to face 'Iron Mike' at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake - when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Paul vs Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup."
It appears the cancellation will also lead to a delay for the undercard fights, including the planned co-headlining championship rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.