Rocky star Sylvester Stallone could step into the ring with Jake Paul – if Mike Tyson fails health tests ahead of their Netflix showdown this weekend.
Iron Mike has not been sanctioned for a professional fight in 20 years and must undergo a series of brain and heart tests before he is allowed step between the ropes.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation remains sceptical about Tyson’s brain showing up during a scan and the boxing match could be called off with just days to go.
However, should Tyson be prohibited from taking part in the bout, Paul is lining up 78-year-old Sylvester Stallone as an emergency replacement.
‘Sly fits the profile of fighter I like to face’, Paul told Paddy Power News.
‘In that, he’s at least 2-3 times my age and will do anything for money.
‘His previous opponents include Mr. T and He-Man, so fighting a YouTuber seems like the natural career progression for him.’
Texas , United States – 12 November 2024; Mike Tyson during an open workout session, held at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, USA, ahead of his heavyweight bout with Jake Paul, on November 15th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Upon hearing the news, Stallone remarked: ‘Fight a YouTuber 60-years younger than me? This might be the worst thing I’ve done since Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot!
‘I haven’t watched any of his fights, but I’m told he’s one of the top-two boxers in his family.
‘I’m in’.
If Stallone pulls out of the bout, sources close to Paul’s camp told us possible contingency contenders include: 94-year-old Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood; 98-year-old Mary Poppins star Dick van Dyke and 100-year-old former US president Jimmy Carter.
In a further development, US president elect Donald Trump has been rumoured to be the special guest referee for the Netflix showdown.
Trump is said to have fought off stiff competition from the WWE’s ‘Heart Break Kid’ Shawn Michaels, Hollywood martial artist Chuck Norris and disgraced English Premier League official David Coote to land the role.
‘This will be my proudest moment in the ring since I shaved Vince McMahon’s hair off’, he reportedly told a close confidante as conjecture swirled.
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