Oscar De La Hoya has criticised Jake Paul’s decision to fight Mike Tyson as he worries for the boxing icon amid concerns surrounding his age and health. The two are set to meet in a blockbuster exhibition bout this summer, fighting before 80,000 fans at ATandT Stadium as well as the millions due to tune into the event being streamed live on Netflix.
Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the sensational clash between the YouTuber and Tyson last month. Paul recently triumphed over Ryan Bourland with a decisive knockout and has already faced a number of big names including UFC stars Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Ben Askren.
He is now set to fight iconic heavyweight Tyson, who has not fought since hosting an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, a spectacle that drew huge pay-per-view numbers as the 57-year-old returned to action for the first time since 2005.
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Many high-profile figures – including Conor McGregor and Eddie Hearn – have spoken out against the staging of the fight, suggesting the clash is a mismatch given the age disparity between the two. Ahead of Devin Haney versus Ryan Garcia on Saturday, De La Hoya appeared on The MMA Hour and took aim at Paul, accusing his actions of not matching his words of claiming he wants to win a world title.
“I actually like Jake Paul for what he’s doing and the attention he’s bringing to the sport and what he wants to do with his promotional company and help the fighters… I love that,” De La Hoya told Ariel Helwani.
“But he also talks about being a world champion and taking it seriously. Well, this is not serious – fighting Mike Tyson. Yes, I can understand it’s a lot of money… it’s going to attract a lot of eyeballs…
“The only critique I have for Jake Paul is that if you want to take the sport seriously then take the route world champions take. Fighting top 20, top 10, top five [opponents] and eventually becoming the mandatory to the world champion. That’s how you do it. That’s how you gain the respect from the fight fans – not fighting Tyson.”
De la Hoya understands why both Paul and Tyson agreed to the fight – the incredible amount of money on offer. But he is worried for the former heavyweight champion, who was seen with a cane recently, as he steps into the ring with someone 30 years his junior.
He said: “I worry about Tyson because we all love him and he’s 57. He’s no spring chicken that’s for sure.”
His concerns echo those raised by McGregor, who initially reacted to the fight by focusing on well-wishes for Tyson. He said: “Oh jeez. It’s a bit strange. The interest is low. I don’t know. I don’t understand it. I wish well for Mike.”
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