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Featured Image Credit: The MMA Hour/Netflix
Topics: Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar
Oscar De La Hoya worries for Mike Tyson and criticised Jake Paul's decision to fight the boxing legend in a damning assessment.
Paul vs. Tyson is set for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in an exhibition bout that will be aired on Netflix.
A major world title fight has been added to the card, strengthening the summer event.
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Fans and critics alike have condemned the bout pitting the 27-year-old against the 57-year-old, including De La Hoya.
Ahead of Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia this weekend, De La Hoya appeared on Ariel Helwani's The MMA Hour.
He shared his thoughts on his working relationship with Garcia and was also asked about Tyson returning to the sport.
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'The Golden Boy' slammed Paul for facing 'Iron' Mike instead of a ranked boxer and questioned his desire to become a world champion.
"I actually like Jake Paul for what he's doing and the attention he's bringing to the sport and what he wants to do with his promotional company and help the fighters... I love that," he began.
De La Hoya added: "But he also talks about being a world champion and taking it seriously. Well, this is not serious - fighting Mike Tyson.
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"Yes, I can understand it's a lot of money... it's going to attract a lot of eyeballs...
"The only critique I have for Jake Paul is that if you want to take the sport seriously then take the route world champions take.
"Fighting top 20, top 10, top five [opponents] and eventually becoming the mandatory to the world champion. That's how you do it. That's how you gain the respect from the fight fans - not fighting Tyson."
De La Hoya, who is a few years younger than the former world heavyweight champion, is also concerned for Tyson's wellbeing against Paul.
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"I worry about Tyson because we all love him and he's 57," he continued. "He's no spring chicken that's for sure."