Jake Paul’s prolonged and controversial showdown with Mike Tyson has split the world of boxing with many believing that the bout should not be going ahead and others arguing that ‘Iron’ Mike is capable of making his own decisions. However, Eddie Hearn has always been clear on his thoughts ahead of the contest and he has now collided with Jake Paul’s former coach as a result.
In terms of pay-per-view figures within the sport, Jake Paul finds himself right amongst some of the most talented fighters on the planet due to his immense social media following and his pantomime villain portrayal. Although, his upcoming scrap with heavyweight veteran Tyson is one that followers of the sport feel has crossed the line, due to the 31-year age difference between the pair and Tyson’s almost two-decade stretch of inactivity.
Yet, in a social media post, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian, defended the bout and slammed Eddie Hearn for his public criticism, highlighting how the Brit is actually involved in the event through Katie Taylor’s lucrative rematch with Amanda Serrano.
‼️ Nakisa Bidarian responds to Eddie Hearn after he stated that he would never be involved with Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson 🗣️
[Via – @MostVpromotions on IG] pic.twitter.com/9zyWQuZOsq
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) September 7, 2024
“I keep getting sent these articles of Eddie Hearn taking shots at Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson and how [he claims that] if you are involved then you have no empathy for the sport and how he would never been involved in a million years. Eddie, you are involved man. You are involved in a big way. Katie Taylor, your most celebrated fighter, is the co-main event and it is her biggest payday, as you know.”
Meanwhile, Paul’s former coach and one-time cruiserweight world title challenger BJ Flores exchanged his opinion with Hearn – who labelled the decision to make the fight as ‘sad’.
BJF: “Eddie, I LOVE how you fight for your guys. You are 100% a TOP level business brain/boxing man. But let’s all admit that Jake Paul has done a massive amount for getting more eyeballs on the sport of boxing. Only 27-years-old. Jake moves the needle. Congrats to Katie [Taylor] and Amanda [Serrano].”
EH: “Absolutely, but from someone who idolised Mike Tyson and knows he should NEVER be in the ring again, I find it very sad.”
BJF: “100% understood. Mike wouldn’t have been my top choice. But, he is an absolute legend and a grown man that makes his own decisions. In addition, I think it will be more competitive than people think.”
EH: “He’s in his 50’s and when he last fought professionally 20 years ago it was sad to watch. I don’t believe he is healthy enough to fight and if it’s gonna be competitive then that says it all. As for a grown man making his own decisions, you know it’s up to the people around the fighters to make the right decision and you know he shouldn’t be fighting. You are a boxing man BJ! Anyway, god bless my friend.
Paul-Tyson will take place on November 15th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas live on Netflix, where Mike Tyson will break a heavyweight world record just by hearing the opening bell.
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