Eddie Hearn says it ‘breaks his heart’ to see heavyweight legend Mike Tyson take part in a fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
On Thursday, it was announced that the 57-year-old, long-retired former heavyweight champ – who hung up his gloves in 2005 – would step back into the ring one last time to take on Paul, who is 30 years his junior.
The event will be held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 20 and will be streamed live on Netflix, though little is currently known about the rules of the bout.
Hearn, who is currently in Jeddah for Anthony Joshua’s showdown with Francis Ngannou, is very disappointed to see Iron Mike return to the ring and believes it is a bad day for boxing.
Asked about the announcement, Hearn told iFL TV: ‘I guess if you criticise it you’re a hater, aren’t you? So I’m probably not the best person to ask because I love the sport of boxing.
‘So I find it incredibly sad, but it’s a big event, you can’t deny that.
‘But is he 60 yet, Mike Tyson? 58? Something like that? One of the greatest fighters that ever lived.
‘But I’m one of a small per cent of absolute mad boxing lovers that it actually breaks my heart to see that.
‘But it is a big event on a new platform, big stadium, and there will be a lot of people watching it.
‘Obviously a very powerful platform, I’m sure it will be a huge event. Great platform, to see them doing live sport – like Amazon – it’s fantastic. The more platforms the better.’
In another interview with Seconds Out, Hearn echoed his comments, saying: ‘You’re asking the wrong guy, I’m a hardcore boxing fan, he’s one of my heroes.
‘I find it very sad, but it’s a big event, I understand people are going to watch it and it’s entertainment I guess.
‘But for someone that idolised the guy growing up, it’s not the best day.’
Asked if Jake Paul gets any credibility if he beats Tyson, Hearn replied bluntly: ‘He’s 58 years old.’
Hearn also rejected any comparisons between the Paul-Tyson fight and a soon-to-be-announced bout between 45-year-old Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : ‘Sad to see’ – KSI slams rival Jake Paul for agreeing fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson
