Key takeaways:
* The boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has sparked widespread backlash.
* Many in the combat sports industry are questioning the rationale behind the event, including former UFC fighter Matt Brown and UFC boss Dana White.
* The match is set to take place on July 20 and will be live streamed by Netflix.
The boxing industry is in a whirlwind, as news of the upcoming match between former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson and YouTube sensation Jake Paul becomes the talk of the town. Slated for July 20, this unlikely pairing has caused widespread backlash among combat sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Netflix plans to broadcast the main event live for global viewers.
‘A Lose-Lose Situation’ – Matt Brown
Foremost among the discontented voices is former UFC fighter Matt Brown. During an interview with The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast on MMA Fighting, Brown questioned the point of the match, seeing it as a bizarre choice for both parties. “You can’t lose to a 60-year-old man and you also can’t beat a 60-year-old man,” he said, describing the plight of Jake Paul who has a professional boxing record of 9 wins (6 KOs) and one loss.
He expressed bewilderment over Tyson’s decision to take the bout, given his age and status. “It’s very odd that he’s taking the fight. That’s the odd part to me,” Brown added.
Crossing the Line of Age – Dana White’s Perspective
The discontent doesn’t stop with Brown. Dana White, the accomplished UFC boss, sounded off on his disdain for the match. After UFC 299 concluded in Miami, White was outspoken about his concerns. His worry doesn’t just stem from the staggering age difference between Tyson and Paul, but also from a place of personal admiration for Tyson.
“I love Mike Tyson personally as a friend, and he’s one of my favorite athletes of all time… I don’t like to see guys fighting at [that age] … you guys know what I think of that stuff,” he told reporters.
Dan Cormier on Tyson’s Return: ‘Absolutely Sucks’
Another voice in the chorus of negative reactions comes from Dan Cormier, an esteemed UFC commentator and former two-weight UFC champion. Speaking on The Good Guy & Bad Guy podcast, Cormier lamented seeing Tyson return to the ring in this manner.
“I saw Mike walk into the UFC last year with a walking stick… I don’t know how they pull this off,” Cormier commented, reflecting on the very apparent age disparity and Tyson’s physical state.
Uncertainty Among the Clash
Heavy.com reached out to an event organizer on March 7 to clarify the nature of the Tyson-Paul match—whether it is a legitimate match or an exhibition—but received no response. Regardless of the label, the event is causing a stir and a lot of negative feedback within the sports industry. A flux of questions looms over why this bout is happening, catching industry voices, fans, and spectators off guard.
In conclusion, the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is not just another mark on the sports calendar. It is a hotbed of controversy, a point of intense debate among sports professionals, and a reflection of the changing landscape of combat sports. Its ultimate outcome will undoubtedly send ripples throughout the sports world, regardless of victory or defeat.