“I’m Saddened by It”- Stephen A. Smith “Disgusted” With Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Sanctioned as Pro Fight

It’s serious business when you know you have put your professional record on the line. But the same can’t be said about the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. Many have questioned and wondered why the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations has sanctioned the bout as a professional fight. While many were left scratching their heads, Stephen A. Smith vented his frustration. What did he say?

Paul vs. Tyson’s showdown on July 20 will include 2-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves, as the contest will run for eight rounds. However, the idea of ‘Iron Mike’ staking his professional record, especially when he last won a pro fight back in 2003, has puzzled the fans. Moreover, age is not on his side at 57, and the fans have heavily criticized the fight as a gross mismatch. Smith also voiced the same concerns on ESPN’s First Take.

Stephen A. Smith believes Mike Tyson has done enough

The American commentator expressed his distaste for the recent announcement. He said, “I’m sad, I’m saddened by it. I’m disgusted by it. I don’t like it one bit. Great Mike Tyson, who we all treasure because of the years of greatness he gave us. But he is 57… I mean, come on man, why be it a sanctioned boxing match…”

The ESPN correspondent then questioned the intentions of ‘The Problem Child,’ whom he believed was not serious regarding his future in boxing. If he wanted to hone his skills as a boxer, he would have been better off after fighting a top current fighter, not a boxing legend who hung up gloves 20 years ago.

Smith continued, “He [Jake Paul] keeps telling us how serious he’s taking this and how bad he wants it. Well ok, if you want the money man, please keep doing your thing. If it’s about you wanting to elevate your level, you gotta get in the ring with somebody of your ilk, your age, your size.”

Smith has been critical of the Paul vs. Tyson clash as he failed to understand the hype for the fight. Oscar De La Hoya holds similar views, as he also pointed out the health risks for the former world champion Tyson. While he “prays” for Tyson’s health, he believes the fight is about money.

Oscar De La Hoya shuns Jake Paul for fighting ‘Iron Mike’

In a conversation with MMA Hour, De La Hoya admitted that the coming event wasn’t serious. He added, “Well, this is not serious, fighting Mike Tyson. I can understand it’s a lot of money, it’s going to attract a lot of eyeballs… That’s how you gain the respect from the fight fans, not fighting Tyson.”

The Golden Boy Promotion’s head honcho advised Paul, at 9-1, to fight the top 20 and build his reputation if he wanted to be a world champion, a dream that Paul has been vocal about. It remains to be seen how Tyson fares against Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

What do you make of these comments by Stephen A. Smith? Do you agree with him that Jake Paul should have fought someone else? Let us know in the comments below.