BOXING fans rejoiced after a UFC legend claimed he was the backup for Mike Tyson against Jake Paul.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul is due to take on the heavyweight icon in a controversial clash on July 20 in Texas.
But the fight appeared in doubt when Tyson suffered a health scare due to an ulcer flare up.
Immediately, the likes of boxer Ryan Garcia and ex-UFC star Mike Perry hinted they would be up for replacing Iron Mike.
But MMA cult hero Chael Sonnen went a step further by claiming he was already contracted as the substitute opponent.
Sonnen, 47, posted online: “I guess it was wise of Jake Paul to write me into the contract as Tyson’s backup, wasn’t it???
“If Jake Paul realises he might be fighting ME in a month, HE may be the one having a heart attack.”
It sparked a mixed response online as one said: “I wasn’t planning on buying the pay-per-view, but I’d buy this one.”
Another added: “Tyson should sit this one out so you can show him how the bad guy does it.”
But one hit back: “In your dreams.”
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Sonnen, who has 31–17–1 MMA record, is due to make his boxing debut on June 15 against old UFC rival Anderson Silva.
But the American – nicknamed The Bad Guy – is a serial troll known for his outlandish claims and brags.
And, despite Tyson’s medical emergency, SunSport has been informed the bout will NOT be effected.
Paul followed up by posting: “You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed.”
Tyson, 57, suffered the scare when flying from Miami to LA after becoming nauseous and dizzy.
Paramedics rushed to the plane to provide medical assistance to the legendary boxer, who later made a recovery.
You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed.
Jake Paul
Tyson prepares to fight as a professional for the first time since 2005 despite returning for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
But his bout against 9-1 Paul is officially sanctioned as Iron Mike spoke out for the first time since his medical incident.
He jibed: “Now feeling 100% even though I don’t need to be to beat Jake Paul.”
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