Eddie Hearn believes it will be ‘really sad’ to see Mike Tyson return to the ring later this year against YouTube-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Tyson announced on Thursday afternoon that he will take on Paul in Dallas, Texas on July 20, with the fight due to be aired live on Netflix.
The two-time heavyweight champion retired back in 2005, but is set to make a sensational comeback. Yet British promoter Hearn is not excited by the prospect of seeing Tyson fight again.
‘For me it’s really sad because Mike Tyson was one of my idols growing up, and to see him fighting at 57, 58… but I also understand that a lot of people are going to tune in and watch,’ Hearn told Mail Sport.
‘It’s an entertainment event, Netflix, great to see them involved in boxing. I think it will do really well. But it’s just not really one for me.’
Eddie Hearn feels it is ‘really sad’ that Mike Tyson will be returning to face Jake Paul
Tyson is 57 years old and has not had a competitive fight in almost 20 years
Jake Paul is 30 years younger and has been fighting regularly in recent years
Paul is 30 years younger than Tyson and has been fighting regularly in recent years, building up a record of nine wins and just one defeat against Tommy Fury.
Tyson had an exhibition bout with fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr in 2020, but has not had a competitive fight in almost two decades.
He has remained in good condition in recent years, and has posted training clips of himself on the pads and working the heavy bag.
He also trained Francis Ngannou for his fight with Tyson Fury in October, and almost guided the former UFC champion to a shock win.
But despite continuing to be involved in the sport, Hearn is adamant that Tyson should not get back in the squared circle and risk losing when he is a shadow of his former self.
‘I don’t think you should be fighting at 57 years old. But also the guy was one of the greatest ever fighters,’ Hearn continued.
‘Why do you want to go in at five per cent of what you were and lose to a guy like Jake Paul?
‘He shouldn’t have to do that, but the world is the world we live in.’