Jake Paul welcomes Mike Tyson back to professional boxing this year.
The Netflix-backed event, which features the much-anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano as chief support, has come in for some considerable backlash given the 30-year age gap between competitors.
Tyson hasn’t competed as a pro since 2005 – a loss to Kevin McBride in which he looked a shadow of his former self – and has had health issues since. Despite the rules being skewed to make it a softer bout, many fighters are calling Paul disrespectful for making it happen.
The YouTuber-turned-fighter’s ex coach, BJ Flores, said it was ‘Iron’ Mike who wanted the fight to count on each man’s record.
“Mike wants to fight. Mike wanted the fight. It wasn’t Jake searching Mike out. Mike wanted the opportunity and make it not an exhibition, a real fight. Jake loves Mike, he thought it was a big event, Netflix got behind and the AT&T Stadium got behind it.”
The former world title challenger then said the fight was ‘lose-lose’ for Paul, who will either be defeated or upset the world of boxing by beating an icon.
“It’s gonna be a lot of fun for a lot of people to watch, but it’s kind of a lose-lose for Jake because you don’t wanna beat Mike and if Mike beats you then, you know… Mike’s still dangerous. It’ll be a good event. I’m gonna watch it. Of course people have mixed feelings about it, but they’re not the ones in the ring.”
