Mike Tyson 'looking at alternative names' as Jake Paul fight hangs in the balance

There is currently no new date the showdown, leading to some suggestions that the fight could be axed entirely.

Paul has faced criticism for agreeing to fight Tyson, who would have been 58 by the time the bout took place.

And Tom Patti, who is a close friend of Tyson's, has now revealed the boxing legend is looking at 'alternative names' in case the battle doesn't go ahead.

“While I was with him, we were looking at alternate names and other people," he told USA Today.

"If Jake Paul wants to back out, then Mike will find someone else that's suitable."

Patti didn't disclose the names of any of the fighters under consideration.

However, he says Tyson is ready to move on if a new date with Paul can't be agreed.

"He’s looking forward to a fight and he's looking forward to this fight in particular," he said.

"If not, he’ll find someone else. That’s a fact."

Whether the fight takes place remains to be seen.

But Logan Paul, Jake's brother, seems prepared to step in and replace Tyson following a statement he made on social media.

“So Mike Tyson’s out? I’ll step in, and we can settle this once and for all, @jakepaul,” he said.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, meanwhile, has claimed there's 'genuine concern' that the fight between Tyson and Paul will be permanently scrapped.

Reports on Thursday suggested it would be called off entirely, despite parties being keen for it to go ahead.

And Mannix, speaking on The Rich Eisen show, isn't sure it will get a new date.

“There is some concern among people involved in the fight that the Paul – Tyson fight might not go through at all, and some of the fighters on this card might be looking for lifeboats to appear on other cards going forward.

“There is genuine concern from people that are also on the card, I mean, there are another number of fights that are on the card, about this specific card moving forward.”

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Addressing Tyson's recent medical scare, he added: “They’re saying it’s a minor ulcer issue, but I don’t think anything’s minor at that stage of your life.

"Especially when it comes to putting yourself in the proper shape to fight a professional boxing match.”

Tyson has won 50 of his boxing fights so far, with 44 of those victories coming via knockout.

As for Paul, the 27-year-old has won nine of his 10 career bouts - with a defeat to Tommy Fury last year the only blot on his record.