Conor McGregor, the previous two-weight UFC champion, has expressed his disapproval of the upcoming boxing match between Mike Tyson and YouTuber Jake Paul. The combat, set to happen in Texas this summer time, has drawn vital criticism, including from McGregor himself.

When the bout was first introduced, McGregor voiced his concern for Tyson, stating: "Oh jeez. It's a bit strange. The interest is low. I don't know. I don't understand it. I wish well for Mike."

McGregor has since reiterated his views throughout an interview with SiriusXM, warning younger athletes in opposition to aspiring to be YouTube fighters. Tearing aside the combat and its impression on the game, he held nothing again in his damning evaluation.

He stated: "For me, it does set a bad precedent in the industry. Because what you've got now is - and I would say this to the young athletes coming up, men and women; don't aspire to be one of these YouTube fighters. Aspire for world titles. Aspire for [the Olympics]. That is how you etch your name in history."

He continued: "Doing these little smash-and-grab fights, you might get a few likes, but there's nothing substantial to it. It's hollow. It can be profitable, but it's hollow.

"And I'm noticing a pattern in younger fighters developing that aren't even all in favour of competing within the novice scene or rising as much as win a nationwide title. You want the gold on the waist. You have to etch your title on the belt."

Paul has yet to confirm whether his upcoming fight with Tyson will be a professional bout, but he has made it clear that they have requested for the clash to be sanctioned. Speaking to FOX News, he said: "Mike and I need this to be a professional combat, full face pictures. We're submitting that request to the fee. It's an all-out warfare.", stories the Mirror.

He additionally dismissed rumours in regards to the guidelines of the combat, stating: "There's been all these faux movies about not having the ability to hit one another, and we'll be carrying huge gloves however it's all faux news.

"It's an honour to be in the ring with him but I'm confident I'll have my hand raised. It's going to be tough, he's going to be getting inside but I believe I have the faster feet and faster hands and I'm going to be finding the angles."