The boxing fraternity has largely been divided in its response to YouTube star Jake Paul’s controversial showdown with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on November 15.
Some have branded the professional boxing bout as a circus, suggesting that Jake Paul is being presented with an opportunity to damage the decorated legacy of ‘Iron Mike.’
What is more, others, such as Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, have labeled it a ‘disgrace,’ while also expressing a degree of concern for Mike Tyson’s health.
And yet, Golden Boy promoter and two-time Hall of Fame inductee Oscar De La Hoya seemingly cannot contain his excitement for Netflix’s first ever live boxing event.
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Oscar De La Hoya says Jake Paul looks like a ‘beast’ ahead of Mike Tyson clash
Tyson will return to a professional boxing ring for the first time since he was stopped in the sixth round by Kevin McBride in 2005.
It is well documented, too, that the 58-year-old has suffered from several health issues in recent years, postponing his comeback date – originally scheduled for June – after sustaining an ulcer flare-up.
Paul, meanwhile, has amassed just 11 professional boxing contests, most notably losing a fiercely-contested split decision to reality TV star Tommy Fury last year.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has garnered plenty of intrigue around his 12th outing by posting regular training videos on social media.
And it appears that De La Hoya, a once formidable multi-weight world champion, has seen genuine signs of improvement in Paul’s boxing ability.
“I’m actually looking forward to it because, Jake Paul – he’s moving up; he’s actually becoming a better fighter,” he told Fight Hub TV.
“If it’s before three or four rounds, I have to go with Tyson by knockout – that one-punch knockout. [But] if it goes past four rounds, I have to worry about Tyson’s conditioning, and where Jake Paul’s youth can take over.
“I’ve seen Jake Paul in videos – he’s looking like a beast. He looks huge!”
Oscar De La Hoya dresses up as Joker in bizarre boxing press conference
At Thursday’s press conference for unbeaten lightweight Floyd Schofield’s main-event fight on DAZN this Saturday, De La Hoya stunned media members after appearing on stage dressed as the Joker.
The 51-year-old was then swiftly joined by his girlfriend, Holly Sonders, who came dressed as a freakish Nun in a bid to further enhance the Halloween theme.
And so, with the pair conducting interviews while kitted out in their spooky outfits, it was perhaps difficult to take anything that they said seriously.