Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are two of the most divisive figures in the world, so it comes as no surprise that their highly anticipated summer fight is creating waves within boxing circles. Many are applauding Tyson for coming out of retirement at such an advanced age to teach YouTube kid a lesson; however, hardcore boxing fans remain not convinced with this matchup as there may be financial motivations involved; Paul is one of the highest-paid fighters on the circuit.
According to Vivid Seats, ticket prices for the event have skyrocketed into the thousands. If fans want to witness two throw punches in front of 80,000 people at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, fans must dig deep into their wallets.
Paul is an amateur boxer with a 9-1 record and six knockouts under his belt, while Tyson is widely revered and celebrated – one of the greatest heavyweight champions ever who has since been retired for almost two decades.
Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020 and hasn’t competed since. Though their fight will not be sanctioned as official professional fights, both fighters want it treated as such; both will wear 16-ounce boxing gloves and compete for two minute rounds each.
Though Paul may fight officially sanctioned, some have expressed reservations over whether it will be good for his image to engage a man almost 60. Tyson was known for dismantling massive men and skilled professional fighters with ease during his prime, yet Paul is three decades younger than Tyson was when in his prime.
No matter the outcome, this event should be watched by combat sports enthusiasts as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Paul is a talented boxer but fighting an older opponent shows just how far the sport has strayed from its roots.
Paul would do himself a huge favor by fighting legitimate boxers to prove his status as a professional boxer, yet until that happens it’s important to remember there can often be lots of smoke behind the curtain when it comes to fights between social media stars and veterans in the ring.