Mike Tyson causes 'deep concern' as former world champion ready to step in and face Jake Paul instead
Mike Tyson says he is feeling 100 per cent
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Former WBC super-middleweight champion Sakio Bika has put his name forward to take Mike Tyson's place and fight Jake Paul if the 57-year-old is forced to pull out at the last minute.
The controversial fight between Paul and Tyson is just weeks away now as they step into the ring on July 20.
The bout has led to plenty of backlash ever since it was first announced with a 30-year age gap between them both.
Tyson went through a stage of regularly posting updates of his training sessions on social media with warnings to Paul.
Mike Tyson says he is feeling 100 per cent
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'Iron Mike' hasn't competed in a professional fight for almost two decades, but the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations have officially sanctioned Paul vs Tyson as an official bout that will go on their records.
The decision has been slammed by some with British boxing icon Tony Bellew calling it a "disgrace".
Tyson's latest health scare while on a cross-country flight has raised even more concerns about his ability to step into the ring with Paul.
The 57-year-old issued a statement insisting he was 'now feeling 100 per cent' after requiring medical assistance for an ulcer flare up.
Both Tyson and Paul insist the fight will go ahead as planned, but Bika has repeated his desire to step in if required.
“I am deeply concerned to hear that Mike Tyson is unwell. I wish him a speedy recovery,” Bika told World Boxing News.
“It would be unfortunate if he is unable to compete as planned.
“If the opportunity arises for me to step in and face Jake Paul, I would be honoured to do so.
"As a professional boxer, I am always prepared to take on new challenges and showcase my skills in the ring.”
Mike Tyson faces Jake Paul in July
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Bika, 45, has only fought once in the last seven years, but has not shied away from calling out Paul previously.
Speaking back in April, Bika insisted he was keeping in shape in case of an unexpected call-up.
"At the moment, I am staying in shape and ready if the right offer comes my way," Bika told World Boxing News this week.
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"I have reached the top of the sport, becoming a multiple-time world champion and winning the prestigious Contender series. I have nothing more to prove to anyone, but I would like to have one more big fight.
"If someone like Jake Paul or his brother (Logan) 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."
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