Eddie Hearn performs U-turn over 'freakshow' Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul event

Eddie Hearn has seemingly performed a U-turn on his opinion of the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.

The pair will do battle in an exhibition bout in Arlington, Texas on July 20 - with the event to be live-streamed by Netflix.

The bout will see Tyson return to competitive boxing for the first time since he fought Roy Jones Jr to an exhibition draw in November 2020.

Despite being 58 years of age, 'Iron Mike' has proven himself to be in great shape ahead of the fight, with his legendary power and hand speed very much still present.

Paul, though, is the odds-on favourite to win the bout, likely given his age and the fact that he has eight professional fights since Tyson last set foot in the ring.

Many pundits, journalists and fans have had their say on the fight, expressing divided opinions on who might win.

But there are some that have claimed they may not watch the bout at all - including Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn.

Speaking on The Stomping Ground last month, Hearn mused: "I get the event. I know what people want to see. They want to see freak shows. And that's what it is.

"The general consensus from the casual audience is, 'Oh, that's a bit of a freak show. I'll watch that'. Who knows what's going to be on the card? Maybe it's a great night of boxing."

He then indicated that he would make a final decision on whether to watch based on the quality of the undercard: "We'll see. We'll see what's on the undercard. I don't know."

His opinion may now have swayed based on the first fight on the undercard, which has been confirmed by Paul himself.

You can watch the announcement below.

'The Problem Child' has announced that undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor will be boxing on July 20 in the co-main event, which will see her take on Amanda Serrano in a highly anticipated rematch.

Taylor is promoted by Hearn and Matchroom.

The 44-year-old confirmed last week that he had been in talks with Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, which promotes Serrano, about a fight between the pair - although could not confirm a date.

"It's an obvious fight for them both. The first one was a classic," he said.