Eddie Hearn has blasted the controversial clash between brash influencer Jake Paul and boxing icon Mike Tyson.
Paul and Tyson are due to lock horns on July 20 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas – though it sounds like Hearn is unlikely to be on the guestlist.
The Matchroom boss has worked with the polarising YouTuber on a couple of occasions, promoting his bout with ‘AnEsonGib’ back in 2020 as well as striking a deal to make Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano two years later.
However, this did not stop Hearn from slamming Paul’s scheduled showdown with Tyson.
Speaking to Piers Morgan, the Brentwood tycoon dubbed the fight as “disgusting,” though did admit that it would probably attract a lot of viewers.
“I think we live in a crazy world, don’t we, where that younger generation is built off views, built off narrative, built off controversy.
“And as a hardcore fight fan, someone who has been around boxing since I was nine years old, I find it disgusting that a 58-year-old man – who was my hero growing up – firstly has to even get back in the ring.
“From a financial point of view, with the amount of money that man was paid or partially paid during his career, to get in a ring with a 25-year-old guy who can’t really fight.
“But for me, I understand it, and I was speaking to the Netflix guys. I don’t think they liked my criticism of the event, [but] I’m never going to lie to you, I’m never going to sugarcoat it.
“I’m just going to give you my honest opinion, which is, it will sell, people will watch, it’ll be a big event, and I don’t like it.”
Hearn is not alone in his criticism of the event, which has received widespread condemnation from pundits, fans and fighters alike.
Paul dispatched both of his last two opponents in less than a round, and a similar fate being inflicted upon the legendary Tyson would be tough for many to stomach.
