In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his opinion following the bout between the legendary Mike Tyson and the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul. The fight, held on Friday, November 15, at the AT&T Stadium, attracted a large audience, but Hearn made it clear that, in his view, this kind of matchup should not take place.
In his statements, Hearn admitted that the fight was difficult to watch. “It was hard to watch, but it was always going to be like that. It doesn’t have to be, though,” Hearn commented.
The promoter acknowledged the public’s interest in the event, highlighting the massive turnout and the number of viewers who tuned in to watch the fight.
“They’re not making this for me. Look how many people showed up, look how many people tuned in. So, I can’t knock it—it’s just not for me,” he added.
Despite his respect for Tyson, Eddie Hearn stated that seeing the former champion in this type of fight felt unnecessary and painful. He also acknowledged the heart and bravery that Tyson displayed throughout the match.
“I love boxing. I don’t want to see Mike Tyson stuck in quicksand,” said Hearn. “He showed unbelievable heart. No one wants to see that from Mike Tyson,” Hearn affirmed.
Tyson, 58, faced Jake Paul, 27, in an eight-round bout. “Iron” Mike, once known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” delivered a limited performance due to his advanced age. Though he started energetically, his physical condition deteriorated as the rounds progressed. Paul, on the other hand, came out aggressive in the beginning but quickly showed signs of fatigue as well.
Eddie Hearn pointed out the lack of intensity in the fight due to the safety measures in place.
He also noted that the performance of both fighters significantly declined after the first round.
“They had pillows on—they were using 14-ounce gloves. But after that, both of them were gassed,” Hearn remarked.
The promoter also reflected on the audience’s perception, noting that many viewers tuned in just to see Tyson. “I get the casual fan. They think: ‘Can Mike still do it?’ Science doesn’t allow it, and watching it made me feel even more uncomfortable,” Hearn expressed.
At the end of the fight, Jake Paul secured a unanimous decision victory, a result that did not surprise most experts. However, the real debate centers around the participation of legendary figures like Tyson in such events. For Hearn, the fight was a clear sign that Tyson’s time in the ring is long over.
“I understand a lot of people were just there to watch Mike Tyson. That’s fair enough, I get it. But maybe those people haven’t watched boxing in 35 years,” said Hearn.
“For me, I didn’t want to see it, and when I did, I wanted to see it even less,” Hearn concluded.
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