As a lifelong boxing fan, I have to say the mere idea of Jake Paul stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson is nothing short of absurd. While I understand the hype and spectacle and it would surely sell millions of PPVs, it is ultimately a meaningless circus matchup that does little for the sport.
Paul, for all his bravado, is still green as grass in the pro game with only 6 padded fights against guys past their primes. He’s yet to face any real challenge. Tyson on the other hand is a legend who dominated the heavyweight division in his heyday – one of the most feared punchers of all time. Comparing the two is disrespectful.
We all know Father Time is undefeated, but Pitting a 27-year-old YouTuber against an 57-year-old icon who is well past his physical peak would be nothing short of sad. No good could come of endangering Tyson’s health or legacy for the sake of entertainment and paydays.
Styles make fights, but there is not a version of Mike Tyson today that could seriously compete with a world class prime boxer. He’s exhibited in exhibitions that while he still has power, his legs and stamina are understandably faded.
It’s a ridiculous farce of a fight that no reasonable fan could take seriously or learn anything from. Paul clearly just wants attention and easy fights to pad his record against guys too old or small. I want to see him in legitimate competitive matches, not charades against greats who came before him.
I’d rather remember Tyson at his dominant best, not play out lackluster twilight matchups just because entertaining sideshows sell. Both men would be better served facing worthier opponents closer to their primes if they want any real respect in the sport.