The upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been branded “disgusting” by boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
Last month, it was announced that the two American fighters would meet in the ring in July, despite the huge age difference of 30 years.
Tyson will be 58 years old by the time the fight takes place, and the boxing icon last fought back in 2020.
Hearn previously admitted he was “sad” about the showdown, which will be streamed on Netflix.
Eddie Hearn furious about Mike Tyson and Jake Paul's upcoming boxing match
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And the 44-year-old has now fumed during a conversation with Piers Morgan Uncensored magazine.
“I think we live in a crazy world. The younger generation is made up of opinions, stories and arguments,” he said when asked about the showdown.
“And as a die-hard fight fan, and someone who's been boxing since he was 9 years old, it's disgusting that a 58-year-old man who's been my hero since I was a kid has to go back into the ring first. It's a financial perspective on how much a guy was paid, or partially paid, during his career to get in the ring with a 25-year-old guy who can't fight.
“But for me, I understand that, and I've talked to the staff at Netflix, and I think they didn't like my criticism of this event.
“I'm not going to lie, I'm not going to cheat, I'm just going to give my honest opinion, which is that it's going to sell, people are going to see it, it's going to be a big event.” I do not like. ”
Hahn's father, Barry, was also critical.
He added: “There's going to be a lot of money to be made.
“Netflix's approach is understandable. [Tyson] He can't win right away, he can't win.
“I don't think his opponent is that much of a fighter, but he's healthy, he's training, he's young… Two rounds, no matter, at 59, Tyson is going to get blown out of his ass.” Very dangerous, boxing at that level…I think it's very sad. ”
It will be interesting to see how the match develops.
But while many criticized the two fighters, Tyson hit back hard at his critics, claiming they were just “jealous.”
“I'm 58 years old, so what? You get billions of views just talking about fighting with someone,” he told Reuters earlier this week.
“Everyone is jealous, including most athletes, and it's terrible.
“They say that in its heyday, there weren't even 1 million people there.
“What are you talking about? You can't sell out an arena. Who at 58 years old can sell out an 80,000-seat arena?”
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“Why do you think he wants to fight me and not anyone else? Everyone wants to fight him, every boxer wants to fight him.
“But if he fights them, the only people who will come are people who like him.
“Other people and their parents may not be there to see it, it’s just keeping it real.
“It's too boring for children to watch. It's like watching grass grow.”
Tyson also told FOX News that he thinks Paul intends to “hurt” him in their clash.
Mike Tyson will be 58 years old by the time he fights Jake Paul in July
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“I don't think he's faster than me,” he said.
“I train every day and work really hard…I’m invincible.
“I think he's come a long way since YouTube. I saw him on YouTube doing weird dances as a 16-year-old, but that's not the guy I'm fighting.
“These guys are going to come and try to hurt me…and he's going to make a big mistake.”
