The upcoming boxing match between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has drawn criticism from promoter Eddie Hearn.
The fight, which will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington in November, pairs 58-year-old Tyson, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2005, against 27-year-old Paul, who has racked up 10 wins in 11 professional bouts.
Hearn, who will be attending the event to support Katie Taylor in her rematch against Amanda Serrano, has made it clear he will not stick around for the Paul vs. Tyson main event.
Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history at age 20 in 1986, dominated the sport in the late ’80s, simultaneously holding the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles.
Hearn expresses concerns
Although he returned to the ring for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, Hearn, who sat next to Tyson at an August event in Los Angeles, believes the upcoming bout could end poorly.
“The reality is that 20 years ago when Mike Tyson retired from the sport he was shot, completely finished,” he told BBC Sport. “It was actually sad to watch then, 20 years ago.”
The fight is set to be a professional match, with some conditions in place to account for Tyson’s age and experience.
Despite the 31-year age difference, Paul defends the match-up, claiming Tyson’s skill and experience compensate for the age gap.
Paul‘s only loss came earlier this year against British boxer Tommy Fury, making this match another major test in his evolving boxing career.
However, Hearn remains firmly opposed to the bout, highlighting safety concerns and questioning its impact on the integrity of the sport.
“If I was Jake Paul I’d just feel a little bit embarrassed to be honest with you. It’s a liberty,” Hearn said.
“This is dangerous, irresponsible and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the sport of boxing.”
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