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.
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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 affected.
Paul followed up by posting: "You love to make s*** up before knowing the facts for clicks / likes. Nothing changed."
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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."
