Featured Image Credit: Michael Bisping YouTube / Getty
Topics: UFC, Boxing, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson
Alex Brotherton
Topics: UFC, Boxing, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson
UFC legend Michael Bisping has laid into Jake Paul after the announcement of his fight with Mike Tyson.
On Thursday the news broke that boxing icon Mike Tyson will make a sensational return to the ring to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
The former world heavyweight champion will face Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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At 57 years old, Tyson is 30 years older than his opponent, and hasn't fought since he faced Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition in 2020.
The fight will likely earn each fighter hundreds of millions of dollars.
Since the announcement of the fight Paul has come under heavy criticism for facing an opponent so much older than himself.
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One of the most vocal critics has been UFC icon Michael Bisping, who labelled Paul a "laughing stock" for his decision to fight Tyson.
"Money makes the world go round, but Jake Paul has already made lots of money," Bisping said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel.
"He's made lots of money and he talks about being a real fighter - that's where I have an issue.
"He talks about being one of the best ever, being the greatest, the champion of the world. He's a laughing stock.
"Eddie Hearn called him out on that back in the day, said 'I'll give you one of my guys who's up and coming', but he didn't want to do it, didn't want to fight him, didn't want to test himself. [He's] looking for people he knows he can beat."
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Bisping's initial reaction to the fight came on X, where he posted a series of tweets criticising Paul.
"Nah fair play to Tyson, hope he makes a s*** loads of dough. But what self respecting fighter seeks out a contest with a 57 year old legend when they are in their absolute prime? Make money fair play but stop with the 'legit boxer' talk," he tweeted.
Paul recently improved his professional boxing record to 9-1 when he secured a first-round knockout against professional boxer and Golden Glove winner Ryan Bourland.
The fight will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, the platform's first live combat sports broadcast.