Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has offered up his two cents on the controversial Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight.
Paul vs Tyson, due to take place on July 20th in Texas, has received widespread condemnation from the boxing public – though Joshua hasn’t been as damning as others.
Many believe the bout should not be happening, given ‘Iron Mike’ is 30 years older than the polarising Ohio native, who goes into the contest a heavy favourite.
Joshua, however, did speak positively about the potential eyeballs Paul vs Tyson – which is being broadcast on streaming giant Netflix – will bring to the sport.
He did though admit that he believes ‘The Problem Child’ will win and he hopes Tyson “comes out healthy” in a recent appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show.
“He [Tyson] is older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul [wins] because of youth – that’s the only thing… I personally think [influencer boxing] is really good.
“I think the boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they think, ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport?’
“But I think that person brings all these people into boxing which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps.”
Paul has looked destructive in his last two outings, dispatching of both Andre August and Ryan Bourland in the first round.
Tyson’s last showing in a boxing ring came in an exhibition bout against fellow Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr in 2020, unsurprisingly looking a shadow of the man who terrorised the heavyweight division in the late 1980s.
Though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Paul vs Tyson is expected to draw mammoth viewing figures worldwide and is likely to be one of the most watched boxing events of the year.
