Legendary Boxer, Who Achieved Something Even Mike Tyson Failed at Twice, Upsets Fans by Sharing Snaps With Jake Paul

Former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe shared a photograph in an Instagram post today. It featured him standing in the middle, flanked by Jake Paul and his trainer, Jonathan Felton. On July 20, ‘The Problem Child’ would be entering a new epoch in his boxing career. He will take on none other than the youngest heavyweight champion in history, Mike Tyson. However, Bowe, who defeated Evander Holyfield twice in his prime, something Mike Tyson couldn’t accomplish, seemed to have sharply divided the followers who jumped in with their viewpoints when he posed a query in the message.

As most fans know, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson have a fight on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Though initially considered an all-rules exhibition bout, the match, after receiving approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, has been sanctioned as a full professional boxing contest. It contains a few caveats, though.

‘The Big Daddy’ and ‘The Problem Child’

Tagging both Felton and Paul on his post, Riddick ‘Big Daddy’ Bowe wrote, “@jonjon1000000 @jakepaul I don’t like to ASK these types of questions, but since Media is asking me, I will ask many of you. I already KNOW. Who ya got? IRON MIKE or JAKE “Problem Child”? Bowe.”

The question seemingly sparked off a debate among the followers. Many have concerns over the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson boxing match. Firstly, the vast age difference of 31 years (Tyson will be 58 by the time of the bout) torments many. Secondly, even if one is willing to ignore the glaring dissimilarity, the poser on ring activity immediately raises its head.

Jake Paul has been highly active, perhaps even more than some of the professional fighters. Last year, he entered the ring three times. This year, on March 2, he knocked out Ryan Bourland in the first round of their match. Mike Tyson, though physically active and fit, has not entered the ring since the last exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. on November 28, 2020.

Riddick Bowe: Caught in the Middle

While meaning no disrespect to Riddick Bowe, from the comments that came, it could be made out that some were unhappy with the snapshot. Most of their worries centered around the future of boxing and the path it had taken.

For instance, this user seemed quite incensed. How come boxing legends like Riddick Bowe stand alongside Jake Paul and take photographs? They asked, finding it shocking given that Bowe, in his prime, fought some of the biggest names in boxing. “Why are these dudes posing with Paul like he’s the guy deserving of respect??? I’m surprised because Bowe actually fought greats of the sport,” the user said.

Seemingly missing the ‘good old days’, the next one found it difficult to understand the levels boxing has reached these days: “I can’t believe what Boxing has become. I truly miss your days.” Echoing almost similar sentiments, this follower quipped that the ‘purported’ decline in boxing’s reputation should be examined closely: “The downfall of boxing needs to be studied.”

Then the next few users dove into the tentative outcomes they believed in. For instance, this one stated that Mike Tyson would force an early stoppage on Jake Paul: “Mike is gonna stop that boy!” The next user also seemed to have the former heavyweight champion in his sights. They said that ‘Iron’ Mike would win the fight using uppercuts, “Tyson by upper cuts” Thankfully, a Jake Paul fan found some space to make a point. They said that ‘The Problem Child’ will win the July 20 fight via technical knockout, “Jake by TKO.”

It’s apparent from the reactions how two streams of thoughts blossomed once the legend raised a question. While there are some who still question the fight’s relevancy, there are also a few who would rather have the fight proceed.

Given the new sanction it has received, fans could expect a bit more serious engagement from both boxers. Now, as a professional fight, the match will appear in Paul and Tyson’s official records. But the bout differs from other regular boxing matches as it goes down to the round duration. The duo will be fighting an eight-round contest, where each round will last for about two minutes. Additionally, they will have to wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the 10-ounce ones.

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you agree with the thoughts of some followers who appeared doubtful about the current state of boxing?