Jake Paul‘s fight with Mike Tyson has drawn considerable criticism from the boxing world.
Despite 57-year-old Tyson not having fought professionally for almost twenty years, his eight two minute rounds with the YouTuber-turned-fighter will be sanctioned, albeit with 14 ounce gloves.
Many in the sport worry for the fighter’s health in against an admittedly novice fighter but with some activity, youth and power. Tyson Fury does not fall into that camp.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, the former heavyweight champion who was named after ‘Iron’ Mike said the fight was ‘fantastic for boxing.’
“I think it’s fantastic for boxing. You’ve got a legend in Mike Tyson, you’ve got a YouTube boxer who’s come into the game and blew it up with millions of followers and millions of views. Good, bad or indifferent, some people love him, some people hate him.
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I think it’s a really good spectacle for boxing, it brings a lot of people to the game. Who am I to say Mike Tyson shouldn’t be boxing or Jake Paul shouldn’t be boxing? Good luck to them, they’re both gonna make what I call a s**t ton of money out of it.”
Speaking on the Furocity YouTube channel, Tyson’s half-brother Tommy took a completely different view. He called the fight ‘criminal’ due to Tyson’s advanced years.
“He’s my idol from growing up. But I want to challenge young men who can challenge me properly. [I don’t respect it] Why are you preparing to beat a guy who is 60 years of age, one of the best to ever do it? It’s criminal, to be honest, I don’t know why it’s being allowed to happen. I hope both men come out unscathed.”
The 25-year-old – who is the only man so far to have beaten Paul – has also said the fight is ‘ridiculous’ and ‘shouldn’t be allowed.’
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