MIKE TYSON could potentially make his boxing comeback against Roy Jones Jr in front of fans.
The eight-round exhibition was shifted from September 12 to November 24 to allow further time to promote the pay-per-view spectacle.
But YouTuber Logan Paul – whose brother Jake faces former NBA star Nate Robinson on the undercard – hinted the decision was made to wait and see if tickets can be sold.
Fans are not yet allowed back into arenas amid the coronavirus pandemic, despite hopes reduced crowds would return by October.
When asked why Tyson’s return was postponed with supporters already prohibited, Paul responded: “That’s not true. Depending on what state you’re in.
“Imagine if it was in a football stadium. They want to make sure the infostructue is right.
“Dude, it’s Mike Tyson’s return. This is going to be one of the coolest things to happen in 2020.”
Organisers had pushed to take the exhibition to the Middle East but there was no such interest.
Instead it was set for California, with the event being streamed on social media app Triller.
And Paul added: “Apparently the traffic they’re getting to the site is so great, they’re truly trying to maximise capturing all audiences.
“They want to host the event somewhere massive and it takes a little careful navigating to make that happen.
“There’s only some states you’re allowed to do it.”
Under the California State Athletic Commission, Tyson and Joes were also due to box under strict orders, prohibiting KO’s and not having judges score the bout.
But now an unnamed but recognised sanctioning body will oversee the fight adopting more familiar rules.
Officials will be ringside scoring and the winner of the exhibition will receive a special belt.
Tyson said: “Changing the date to November 28 will give more people the opportunity to see the biggest comeback in boxing history.
“This temporary inconvenience will last longer than Roy Jones Jr.
“He better be ready, I’m coming full force.”
