“Dangerous, irresponsible, and disrespectful to boxing,” were the words Matchroom Boxing honcho Eddie Hearn used last week to describe the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The British promoter did not hold back from citing his opinion regarding the upcoming fight and called it a result of greed.
While Tyson and Paul have purposefully stated that this fight is for more than just money, the 45-year-old refused to believe so. On Thursday, the Essex native once again showed his disgust over the upcoming match and refused to watch it no matter what.
Eddie Hearn saddened by Mike Tyson’s aged appearance
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In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Hearn slammed the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, stating “I don’t wanna see it.” He was saddened by the fact that his childhood hero would be back in the ring while being “physically a shell of what he once was.” Earlier, the fight was supposed to take place in July, but due to the Brooklyn native’s deteriorating health, it had to be postponed to November 15.
The Matchroom honcho stated that on a personal level, this fight does not excite him at all. “I’m not saying abandon the fight. I am just saying, not for me mate. I don’t wanna watch it,” stated Hearn as he continued to express worry regarding Mike Tyson‘s crippling health and age.
Hearn mentioned how Tyson’s retirement was not pretty and how the legendary boxer lost all his steam during the end stages of his career. “When he finished boxing, 20 years ago, he was shot,” stated the British promoter. Mike Tyson’s last professional fight was on June 11, 2005, when he faced Kevin McBride in Washington, D.C. By 2005, the Baddest Man On The Planet was struggling with his mental and physical health and it was clearly visible in his fights. The Brooklyn native lost the fight in the 7th round, making it his career’s fifth and last knockout loss.
Tyson announced his retirement soon after, stating that he does not have the “fighting guts or the heart anymore.” Hearn looked back at that last match and stated that when a 20-year-younger Tyson was not able to fight, how could the boxer fight now when he is 58 years old, despite it being against Jake Paul? Because “it’s not okay for him to go back into a ring even against Jake Paul as he can punch.” According to Hearn, just entering into the ring at this stage could be detrimental to the boxing legend’s health and he does not want to see his idol like that.
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Is Mike Tyson risking his legacy by stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at 58?
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“It Makes My Skin Crawl”
Even though Eddie Hearn was dismissive of the event, he seemed to understand the reason behind it. He wished everyone involved the best and hoped that the event would do good business.
While stating his obvious disgust and doubts regarding the fight, Hearn stated, “I understand it is what it is. Good luck to everybody but just not for me.” The Essex native made it clear that it is his own opinion, and he does not want to influence anyone else.
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According to him, the chaotic nature of this event has made it look like a circus, but Hearn added, ” Circus sells.” As a promoter himself, he understands the importance of putting on spectacles to earn profit and he wished good luck to both Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. But once again made it clear that he won’t watch it as “it just makes my skin crawl.”
What are your views regarding Eddie Hearn’s statement? Do you think the fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is just for money? Let us know your thoughts down below.
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Is Mike Tyson risking his legacy by stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at 58?