A 55-year-old former world champions has thrown his hat in the ring to replace Mike Tyson and fight Jake Paul.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul was set to take on former world champion Tyson on July 20 in Texas, but a recent ulcer flare up has left the 57-year-old unable to train.

The incident was the latest of a number of health concerns for Tyson, which have included the veteran claiming he once broke his back, being spotted in a wheelchair, and suggestions that he will die soon.

Most Valuable Promotions, who are staging the event, said that the fight will be rescheduled with Netflix said to be desperate for it to go ahead at a later date.

However, Roy Jones Jnr says he will be getting himself into shape in case he gets called up if Tyson completely pulls out.

Mike Tyson was forced to delay his fight with Jake Paul after suffering a medical scare recently

He told Betway: ‘Maybe I get myself in shape for that because I never thought about doing it before, but with the situation of the fight [being postponed], I think that’s a great idea.

‘And I’ll be ready and in shape, because if the fight doesn’t happen, then I’m the ideal guy to substitute in place of Mike Tyson to fight Jake Paul.

‘It is something I have been thinking about. If the [Jake Paul] fight is out there, then yes [I would take it].’

Jones Jr fought Tyson in 2020, a split decision draw which was billed as the ‘Lockdown Knockdown’ and generated over £63million in revenue.

He last fought in April 2023 when he lost on points to ex-UFC champion Anthony Pettis.

Jones Jnr has had 76 fights with 66 wins and 47 knock-outs, taking on the likes of Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, and Joe Calzaghe and held titles at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight.

Roy Jones Jnr has thrown his hat in the ring to replace Tyson if he pulls out and fight Paul

Jones Jr fought Tyson in 2020, a split decision draw which was billed as the ‘Lockdown Knockdown’

Meanwhile, Tyson’s ulcer flare occurred onboard an American Airlines flight from Miami to LA on Sunday, May 26 – forcing flight staff to ask passengers if there was a doctor on board to provide assistance.

Typical symptoms of an ulcer flare up include nausea and vomiting, bloating, belching and gas pain, as well as chest pain and fatigue.

The 57-year-old remains determined to fight Paul, saying: ‘I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time.

‘Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover.

‘My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon.

57-year-old Tyson remains determined to fight Paul, with the bout set to be rescheduled

‘Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good.

‘I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.’