Jake Paul, 27, will face heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, 57, in a professional bout on July 20.
The Netflix broadcast event has been largely criticised in boxing circles due to the huge gap in age and activity, with Tyson last fighting professionally in 2005.
That stoppage loss put an end to a storied career for the once undisputed heavyweight champ, and he has made no secret about the toll it took on his health and wellbeing.
Still, the Paul fight goes ahead, and will be one of the most-discussed events in the sport this year. Anthony Joshua – a proud Tyson fan – goes against the grain in thinking the spectacle is good for boxing.
He explained why on The Jonathan Ross Show.
“I personally think it’s really good. The boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they’re like ‘why are they disrespecting our sport? There’s an Olympics system that you have to go, and once you’ve qualified there you go to the professional ranks, whereas someone with a profile can just come out of nowhere and fight one of the best guys.'”
“That person [Paul] brings all of these people into boxing, which benefits everyone else that’s involved in the industry. It’s a tough game, so everyone viewing helps. I think it’s really good for exposure.
As for a fight prediction, ‘AJ’ is backing Paul to add a tenth win to his modest record simply due to the age gap.
“The only thing I’m worried about is Father Time. That’s one thing that has never been beat. Tyson is older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul cause of the youth. That’s the only thing – the youth.”
The controversial bout will be staged at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and features the highly-anticipated Katie Taylor–Amanda Serrano rematch as co-main event.
