Jake Paul Fighting Mike Tyson is an Embarrassment to Boxing

I understand boxing has become somewhat of a gimmick in the last 20 years. We’ve seen Mayweather-McGregor pretend to fight, and even  this past weekend Francis Ngannou got folded by Anthony Joshua in his second professional boxing match. While these fights were gimmicky they at least featured athletes close to the primes of their careers looking for a massive paycheck, which is pretty much exactly what boxing is all about. If you’re reading this saying Mayweather wasn’t in his prime when he fought McGregor you’re right, but he was far closer to it than Tyson is. Look, I get it if Mike Tyson steps into a ring people want to watch, he's arguably the biggest draw in boxing history, but he's going to be 58 years old when this fight takes place.

Jake Paul isn't a real boxer, what he is, whether you like him or not, is an expert promoter and entertainer. Acknowledging this, I don't see the upside for Paul. If he wins he beat up a 58-year-old man who has been seen walking with a cane multiple times in public the last few years. If he loses his fake persona of being a real boxer goes out the window and these massive pay days go right with it. Paul has built his brand in recent years on these boxing fights, taking cupcake after cupcake to dissuade the public into believing he is a real boxer. He's just building up his resume with retired MMA fighters and past their prime boxers. Many thought this would all prepare to him to fight an actual boxer, but instead we're getting a Youtuber fighting a 58-year-old who struggles to walk in public at times. I'm sure it'll do great numbers on Netflix, but the whole thing is a joke and should be viewed as such by anyone that actually likes boxing.

For Tyson, I just find the whole thing kind of sad. As I've mentioned before in this post Mike Tyson will be FIFTY-EIGHT years old when this fight takes place. If you're reading this, think of any 60 year old you know, think about them stepping into a boxing ring with basically nothing to gain. I get it Mike Tyson is not a normal 58 year old, but boxing should be ashamed (which they never are) that one of it's greatest champions feels even the slightest need to step into the ring at his age.

I'm not naïve to think this is a real boxing match, it's for sure going to be a gross display of "boxing" in which Jake Paul is sure to win. I understand all these guys care about is money, but for boxing and for Mike Tyson this "fight" is below them. At least it won't be a sanctioned fight, so it's not a real professional fight. But still, the fact boxing has gotten to this point and someone as revered as Tyson in the sport has to stoop to this low says all there is to say about "real professional fights".

Listen to Joe Murray 6-11 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow on X @JoeyMurr and Instagram @ImJoeMurray to keep up with the show!