Should former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson fight influencer boxing sensation Jake Paul? On the surface, this matchup seems like a bizarre spectacle that reflects the eccentricities of the 21st century. However, the real question is whether it’s ethical or appropriate for a 58-year-old Tyson, who is well past his prime and in the twilight of his career, to step into the ring against a younger opponent like Paul.

In a conversation with The Sun Sport a day ago, Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn, who is no stranger to putting on the biggest and the greatest fights like the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois bout, shared his perspective on the matter. While he wished the organizers well, he could not help but brand Netflix’s foray into boxing a “freak show” while pointing at the potential “travesty” if the worst were to happen. 

Eddie Hearn claims no boxing fan wants to see the fight

Tyson and Paul will lock horns on November 15th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for an eight-two-minute round fight. Reflecting on the same during the interview, Hearn began by suggesting no true boxing fan wants this fight to happen. Regardless of that, Hearn feels the organizers and broadcasters are looking at it from a different perspective.

“They’re looking at it for numbers. They’re looking at it for hype. And I get it. I understand that this freak show may well do good numbers,” Hearn said. However, he expressed his disapproval of the bout, emphasizing that for those who truly care about the sport’s rich history and Tyson’s legacy, “it’s not something you’d ever consider.”

He also took a jab at Netflix and Most Valuable Promotion, owned by Jake Paul, suggesting that if the fight generates enough revenue for them, “They don’t really care how it looks in terms of the empathy of it.” Hearn concluded that if it were real boxing fans making the decisions, they wouldn’t even want to get involved. 

It’s worth noting that Mike Tyson recently suffered an ulcer flare-up during a cross-country flight, which increased fans’ concerns about his health. Although this pushed the fight back from July 20th, Netflix did not cancel the bout outright. However, it appears this situation aligns perfectly with ‘The Problem Child’s’ strategy.

Hearn just hopes Mike Tyson makes it out safe against Jake Paul

During the same interview, the reporter from The Sun Sports claimed he and a bunch of reporters spoke to Jake Paul when Paul candidly revealed that his strategy was to become the most hated personality in the sport. This will ensure people come and watch his fights to see him get knocked out. 

In response to this, Hearn speculated about the world today, and what convinces people to buy tickets for a fight. Hearn said, “It’s just a different world, isn’t it, that we live in, this new generation?” Regardless of that, the only thing the Matchroom boss was concerned with was Tyson’s health. “Hopefully, Mike Tyson doesn’t get hurt because it would be a travesty for boxing.”

While Eddie Hearn made some great points about the upcoming fight, it’s worth remembering that Tyson himself has agreed to the fight. And if he thinks the fight is worth putting his health and legacy on the line, what others think and feel about it is moot. What are your thoughts on the fight?