MIKE TYSON has hit back after Eddie Hearn slammed his fight against Jake Paul as “disrespectful to boxing”.
Tyson returns to the ring on November 15 in Texas for a controversial clash with Paul scrutinised due to the huge age gap between them.
GettyMike Tyson facing off with Jake Paul[/caption]
ReutersEddie Hearn has hit out at the fight[/caption]
Hearn – who promotes the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on the undercard – has been among the most critical.
He blasted it as “dangerous, irresponsible and disrespectful to boxing” and vowed to leave the stadium early to NOT watch the bout.
But Iron Mike – who could strike fear into opponents’ eyes with just a glare – had an equally blunt response when probed on Hearn’s comments.
He said: “Well, that’s Eddie’s opinion and that’s all I can say.”
Tyson, 58, is now 15 years removed from his last professional fight, the night he quit on the stool against Kevin McBride.
But he did return in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr which was drawn over eight rounds.
It was nothing more than a glorified sparring session between two of boxing’s most respected figures.
Although when he shares the ring with 27-year-old – Paul things will be different.
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It will be a pro sanctioned bout, with records going on the line and competed over eight two-minute rounds – opposed to the usual three.
Tyson – who pulled out of the initial July 20 date due to an ulcer flare up – will also be subject to additional brain and heart tests due to his age.
And the fight will mark Netflix’s first foray into live boxing – with a huge purse of £60MILLION to be shared down the middle between them.
But Tyson – who blew through nearly £300m of boxing purses during his prime – insisted the fight is NOT money-motivated.
He said: “The money from this fight is not going to change my lifestyle. This is not for financial reasons.
“My life is not gonna change, not 1 per cent after this fight, I will always be able to live this way and I’m just doing it because I wanna test myself.”
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