Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul
Chris Byfield
Mike Tyson has been told exactly how much time he has to knock out Jake Paul.
Former WBC, WBF and IBF champion Tyson, who is considered among the best heavyweight boxers in history, is returning to the ring to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul at the AT&T Arena in Texas.
The fight, which is scheduled to take place on July 20, has been the source of much controversy, with critics having noted the 30-year age gap between the two fighters.
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Indeed, Barry Hearn, President of Matchroom Sport and father of boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, is among those to have suggested Tyson, who will be 58 by the time of the fight, is risking his health by returning to the ring.
Hearn stressed that Tyson needed to knock out his opponent within two rounds or face certain defeat.
"It's going to make a huge amount of money. You can understand Netflix's approach. If [Tyson] doesn't win quickly he can't win," he stated on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
"I don't believe the other guy is much of a fighter but he's fit and he trains and he's young... two rounds, no matter, when you're 59, two rounds max, Tyson's going to be blowing out of his backside because it's quite dangerous, boxing at that level... I find it quite sad."
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Tyson has confirmed that the fight will be classified as an exhibition bout but denied rumours that either fighter will be wearing headgear and 18-ounce gloves.
Barry Hearn’s son Eddie has also dismissed Paul's boxing skills while echoing his father's sentiments regarding the fight.
He said: "I think we live in a crazy world where that younger generation is built off views, built off narrative, built off controversy.
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"As a hardcore fight fan, someone who has been around boxing since I was nine years old, I find it disgusting that a 58 year old man - who was my hero growing up has to even get back in the ring.
"From a financial point of view with the amount of money that man was paid or partially paid during his career, to get in a ring with a 25-year-old guy who can't really fight.
"I understand it and I was speaking to the Netflix guys, I don't think they liked my criticism of the event. I'm just going to give you my honest opinion which is, it will sell, people will watch, it'll be a big event and I don't like it."