Ricky Hatton Criticizes Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Bout as "Fantasy Fight"
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has expressed his disapproval of the upcoming bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, labeling it a "fantasy fight" that would leave traditional boxing legends "turning in their graves."
The highly anticipated match, set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on July 20, has garnered significant attention due to the stark age difference between the two fighters. At 57 years old, Tyson will face a 30-year gap against the younger Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer with a professional record of 9-1.
While details regarding the fight, including the number of rounds and contracted weight, are yet to be disclosed, both Paul and Tyson are hopeful for it to be sanctioned as a professional bout.
In an interview with Instant Casinos, Hatton voiced his concerns about the spectacle, suggesting that traditional boxing champions would disapprove of such matchups. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the credibility of the sport while acknowledging the evolving landscape of entertainment-driven fights.
Despite his reservations, Hatton acknowledged the demand for entertainment in the industry, recognizing the popularity of crossover bouts between YouTubers, MMA fighters, and traditional boxers. He emphasized the coexistence of different worlds within the sport, urging for the continuation of high-profile matchups among established champions.
The upcoming fight between Tyson and Paul will mark Netflix's debut in live combat sports broadcasting, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
While Tyson boasts a formidable reputation as one of the most devastating knockout punchers in heavyweight boxing history, his last professional fight occurred almost two decades ago. Meanwhile, Paul continues to make waves in the boxing world, with his previous fight taking place on the undercard of Tyson's exhibition against Roy Jones Jr.
As the date of the bout draws nearer, discussions surrounding the clash between Tyson and Paul continue to spark debate within the boxing community, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and tradition in the sport.
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