Conor McGregor verdict on Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul speaks volumes

Conor McGregor admitted he holds “low” curiosity in watching Jake Paul step into the ring with Mike Tyson earlier than sending a message of help to the American former world heavyweight champion. Paul and Tyson are set to satisfy in an exhibition bout this summer season, combating earlier than 80,000 followers on the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.

Last Thursday, Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) introduced the July 20 contest. Paul, who just lately defeated Ryan Bourland with a dominant KO, has already fought a complete host of massive names together with UFC stars Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Ben Askren.

The YouTuber’s solely defeat got here towards Tommy Fury, shedding on factors to the Brit. Meanwhile, Tyson – who turned the youngest heavyweight champion in historical past aged 20 – has not fought since internet hosting an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, a spectacle that drew large pay-per-view numbers because the American returned to motion for the primary time since 2005.

However, whereas some followers shall be intrigued if not excited by the upcoming struggle, a few figures are speaking out. UFC icon McGregor – who has been linked with a struggle with Paul up to now – admitted he holds little curiosity in streaming the competition and his help for Tyson instructed he holds some issues for the veteran.

“Oh jeez,” McGregor stated when requested by Happy Punch for his ideas on the struggle. “It’s a bit strange, you know. My interest is low.

“I don’t know. I don’t understand it. I wish well for Mike [Tyson].”

McGregor joins Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn in talking out towards the struggle. The Matchroom Boxing boss believes the sideshow occasion threatens to diminsh Tyson’s legacy, particularly given the age gap between the two.

“For me it’s really sad because Mike Tyson was one of my idols growing up, and to see him fighting at 57, 58… but I also understand that a lot of people are going to tune in and watch,” Hearn told Mail Sport. “It’s an entertainment event, Netflix, great to see them involved in boxing. I think it will do really well. But it’s just not really one for me.”

He added: “I don’t think you should be fighting at 57 years old. But also the guy was one of the greatest ever fighters.

“Why do you want to go in at five per cent of what you were and lose to a guy like Jake Paul? He shouldn’t have to do that, but the world is the world we live in.”

Following the announcement of the fight, the 27-year-old Paul took to Instagram to write: “It’s time to put Iron Mike to sleep. It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard.

“Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons. My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion ever, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. This will be the fight of a lifetime.”