Renowned boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn has provided bitter criticism on the rumored bout between Internet sensation, Jake Paul, and boxing legend, Mike Tyson. Hearn has been quite open about his views on this developing situation, using phrases like “very sad” to articulate his sentiments towards the proposed fight. His comments have sparked several debates among boxing enthusiasts and purists.
While celebrity boxing matchups have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, there’s a general sentiment among traditionalists that these exhibitions are detrimental to the nobility and authenticity of the sport. As Hearn put it, “It’s a sad state of affairs for the sport of boxing.“
Rumors of a Jake Paul and Mike Tyson bout began swirling on the Internet after a series of social media posts suggested the showdown. Paul, whose boxing career was born from his YouTube fame, has embarked on a unique trajectory in the boxing landscape. From fighting fellow YouTube personalities to actual professional boxers, has marked a shift in public boxing events over the past couple of years.
Despite his meteoric rise in boxing, facing a champion like Tyson—regardless of Tyson’s age, would be a substantial jump in competition for Jake Paul. Hearn does not see any positive outcome coming out of this circus. He stated, “It’s total DGAF from Tyson, and for Jake Paul, it’s total look-at-me-how-brave-I-am.“
While it’s no secret that these celebrity-bout events bring in hefty revenue and act as magnets for viewers, Hearn suggests this trend is nearing the point of overkill. It’s one thing to entertain the audience, but it’s another to overshadow serious talent and potential match-ups.
What amplifies Hearn’s concerns further is that Mike Tyson, at 55, despite being a boxing legend, is way past his prime. After a 15-year hiatus, Tyson returned to the ring in November 2020 to fight in an exhibition match against boxing veteran Roy Jones Jr. The bout ended in a draw, but stirred the waters for more discussions and speculation about future Tyson matches. For Hearn, the proposition of seeing Tyson face a novice like Paul is far from appealing. Citing the age difference and the obvious mismatch, he called it a “sad day” for the sport of boxing.
Eddie Hearn’s outcry echoes a broader concern within the boxing community. While celebrity boxing exhibitions can be seen as a marketing strategy to introduce new fans to the sport, the risk lies in these events overshadowing the talent and careers of seasoned professionals who are dedicated to the sport. There’s a delicate balance that needs to be maintained between the commercialization of the sport and respect for its true nature.
In closing, Hearn’s comments highlight the importance of preserving the integrity of boxing. When an internet celebrity can share a ring with a former world champion, it’s concerning to boxing purists. Calling it “very sad“, Hearn voices his fear of an erosion of respect for the sport of boxing, a sport steeped in tradition and respect. While the battle between entertainment and tradition is not unique to boxing, the scale seems to be tipping, and not everyone is thrilled about the trend.
Whether or not the proposed Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight will happen remains unclear. However, it’s undeniable that traditionalists like Eddie Hearn see this potential match-up as a red flag regarding the direction the sport of boxing is taking.
