Eddie Hearn pledged to boycott the upcoming confrontation between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, amid the boxing promoter’s concern for the safety of the former.
The confrontation between the Americans was confirmed in March, and after its postponement, the pair are preparing to fight in the ring on November 15.
But the fight is controversial due to the age difference between the two men.
Tyson is 58 years old, and Paul is 27 years old. As a result, many sports-related figures are concerned that the boxing icon could suffer a serious injury when he returns after a four-year absence.
Eddie Hearn pledged to boycott the upcoming confrontation between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, amid the boxing promoter’s concern for the safety of the former.
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One of Hearn’s fighters, Katie Taylor, appeared on the undercard of the big event.
But the 45-year-old has vowed to quit after her fight with Amanda Serrano.
“I think it’s a huge shame that one of the biggest legends in the sport has to come back, 20 years after everyone knew he shouldn’t be boxing anymore,” he told talkSPORT.
“At 55 or whatever he is…is he 58? Jesus Christ, he’s about 60.”
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“For example, you wouldn’t have any respect for the sport of boxing if you put Mike Tyson in the ring when he’s 58 years old.
“And if he gets hurt, it’s on these people… I’ll watch Katie Taylor and then I’ll leave. I can’t watch that.”
Hearn previously described the clash as “sad”.
Speaking to the BBC recently, he said: “If I were Jake Paul I would be a little embarrassed to be honest with you. It’s freedom.”
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He added: “This is dangerous, irresponsible, and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the sport of boxing.”
Despite the controversy, Tyson has no plans to withdraw.
The boxing icon’s former trainer, Jeff Fenech, recently spoke with the heavyweight star.
He said Tyson will move forward with the fight as he looks to summon ancient magic.
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Eddie Hearn is concerned about Mike Tyson’s safety ahead of his fight with Jake Paul
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“If this were my decision, I would have preferred him not to fight at all, but he will fight,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to him several times [recently]. I talked to him about the fight.
“Realistically, if Mike uses the upstairs and nothing else, and does the right things, this could be the easiest money he’s ever made.
“When you’re throwing punches, it’s 50/50 who lands.
Eddie Hearn regularly criticized Jake Paul over his decision to fight Mike Tyson
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“But if Mike focuses and makes him miss, and then makes him pay… that’s what Mike is an expert at, he’s got great head movement.
“If he does that in 30 seconds, the fight could be over in 30 seconds.
“Mike just needs to use his common sense, don’t try to punch when he punches, make him miss and make him pay.”
