Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will lock horns at the AT&T Stadium, Texas, for streaming juggernaut Netflix’s first ever live boxing event on November 15.
The controversial showdown has received a mixed response from the world of combat sports, with several concerns over Tyson’s health issues having been expressed.
Since pulling out of the contest – originally scheduled for July 20 – after sustaining an ulcer flare-up, though, ‘Iron Mike’ has insisted that he is now back to full fitness.
Even so, with the former world heavyweight champion being almost three decades Jake Paul’s senior, there are still reasonable doubts about whether the bout should be going ahead.
Eddie Hearn believes that Jake Paul should be ‘embarrassed’ for fighting Mike Tyson
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn has now made his feelings known, insisting that he is totally against Mike Tyson’s comeback.
The legendary boxer’s last professional contest was back in 2005, when he was stopped in the sixth round by Kevin McBride.
And so, Hearn believes that Paul – who is currently 10-1 as a professional after losing to Tommy Fury last year – is taking advantage of an ageing Tyson.
It is worth mentioning, too, that a hearing for Hearn’s defamation lawsuit against the YouTube star is set for October 16.
“If I was Jake Paul I’d just feel a little bit embarrassed to be honest with you. It’s a liberty,” Hearn told BBC Sport.
“This is dangerous, irresponsible and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the sport of boxing.
“I’m in awe of [Tyson] – he’s one of my favourite ever fighters, one of the greatest of all time – but he’s a 58-year-old man.
“You only need to speak to him and look at him to know this guy should not be in a ring again.”
Eddie Hearn will watch Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano before leaving
Hearn has confirmed that he will be in attendance for the eagerly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano – on the undercard of Paul vs Tyson – before leaving the venue.
The pair collided for a historic dustup back in 2022, becoming the first women to sell out Madison Square Garden, New York.
And despite narrowly losing their first encounter, Serrano – promoted by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions – looks to be in terrific shape for their rematch, posting a brief sparring clip on social media.
But Taylor, equally, will be leaving no stone unturned in her training camp, looking to retain her super lightweight titles after reclaiming them from Chantelle Cameron.