Promoter Eddie Hearn says he’s “very sad” to see Mike Tyson face Jake Paul on July 20th. The former unified heavyweight champion Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) hasn’t fought in 19 years since 2005 and will turn 58 on June 30th.
There’s a real potential for Tyson to get hurt in this fight, given his advanced age, lifestyle, and the fact that he’s facing a much younger 27-year-old Jake who can punch. Unless Paul takes it easy on Tyson, he could get knocked out.
The money Tyson is getting to be involved in this spectacle has got to be good, as he wouldn’t be taking this match-up if he wasn’t getting a big chunk of change.
According to celebrity net worth, Tyson’s fortune is estimated at $10 million. It wouldn’t be surprising if Tyson is getting a paycheck in the ballpark of $10M.
This is one of those fights where if Tyson doesn’t get to Paul early, he’ll run out of gas and get knocked out, as we witnessed in his last two fights against Kevin McBride and Danny William many years ago.
Hearn’s Concern for an Aging Legend
“You’re asking the wrong guy. I’m a hardcore boxing fan and he’s one of my heroes. I find it very sad, but it’s a big event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to the media when asked about his reaction to Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul next on July 20th on Netflix.
“I understand people are going to watch it. It’s entertainment, I guess. For someone who idolized him [Tyson] while growing up, it’s not the best day. He’s 58 years old,” said Hearn on whether Jake Paul will get any credibility if he defeats Tyson.
A late-fight gas out could leave Tyson vulnerable to Jake’s powerful right hand, which is quite dangerous. Jake possesses world-class power in his right hand, and that’s bad news for Tyson if he gets hit flush. Losing to a non-world-ranked fighter would be an embarrassment and would be bad for his legacy.
The Pacquiao Comparison
“Pacquiao fought a couple of years ago and has been fighting exhibitions,” said Hearn when told that some fans will bring up 45-year-old Manny Pacquiao, who is negotiating to fight Conor Benn next in Saudi Arabia.
“He’s an eight-division world champion and unquestionably still a world-class fighter. He would beat every one of Conor Benn’s opponents with ease. It’s a big step up from Peter Dobson, yes,” said Hearn.