Eddie Hearn’s Team Retaliates Against Jake Paul for Criticizing Mike Tyson’s Fight Style
Promoter Eddie Hearn was harshly critical of Jake Paul’s upcoming fight against heavyweight great Mike Tyson, scheduled for November 15. Paul’s side has responded with a retort. The fight has generated a lot of discussion, especially given how much Paul, 26, and Tyson, 58, are older than one other. Hearn has been among the most vocal detractors, referring to it as a “freak show.”
Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions and business partner, took issue with Hearn’s comments, accusing him of being a hypocrite.
“I see Eddie Hearn criticizing Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, saying how anyone involved has no empathy for the sport, and how he’d never touch a fight like that,” said Bidarian in response to the comments. Eddie, though, you’re involved. The co-main event features your most renowned fighter, Katie Taylor, who is earning her largest payday to date. Thus, I would like to express my gratitude to Netflix, MVP, and Jake Paul for making this possible.
In addition, Bidarian cited Hearn’s prior critiques of other notable fights, stating, “Eddie called it a circus when Francis Ngannou faced Tyson Fury.” However, the moment he got the chance to promote the matchup between Anthony Joshua and Ngannou, it turned into a “real fight.”
Hearn Addresses the Charges
Hearn stood by his viewpoint online, refusing to back down in the face of criticism. “There’s a big difference,” he said, emphasizing how different things were between Tyson and Ngannou. Francis was a current UFC fighter who, in my mind, just defeated Tyson Fury, which gave him the necessary legitimacy. Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson—who is currently in his 50s—was past his prime.
The Divisive Battle
With a 10-1 record, Jake Paul only lost one, against Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in 2023. In contrast, Mike Tyson announced his retirement from professional boxing in 2005 following a run of defeats and a difficult personal life. Although many viewed Tyson’s 2020 exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. as little more than a sparring session, Tyson did make his way back into the ring.
On this occasion, though, Tyson is getting ready for an officially sanctioned bout with Paul, and there will be drug tests for both competitors. Because of his age, Tyson will also need to undergo additional health tests, such as heart and brain screenings. Due to an ulcer flare-up, Tyson was first forced to cancel the fight scheduled for July 20. However, Netflix was one of the key organizers of the rescheduled battle.
Hearn Increases His Criticism
Hearn, who told SunSport, “I understand this ‘freak show’ could pull good numbers, but if you care about the sport and its history, especially the legacy of one of the greatest fighters of all time, this isn’t something you’d ever consider,” is unwavering in his opposition to the fight despite the controversy. Something that a true boxer would never become involved in.
The discussion around the bout is getting more heated as the date draws near, with both industry insiders and fans expressing their opinions on whether or not Paul and Tyson’s battle will be entertaining to watch or detrimental to the sport.