British boxing legend Ricky Hatton held nothing back after being asked about Mike Tyson’s controversial fight with Jake Paul.
Tyson, 57, will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what will be the main event of a card that will air on Netflix.
It is yet to be confirmed if the bout will be fully professional, a non-judged fight with pro rules or merely an exhibition.
Nevertheless, the match-up has attracted plenty of criticism from leading figures in the boxing world, with a particular focus on the huge age gap between the two fighters.
Mike Tyson starts training camp for Jake Paul fight
Credit: Mike Tyson
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Some have voiced concerns for the former heavyweight champion’s well-being. Meanwhile, a senior lecturer in medicine at Anglia Ruskin University has even warned that the fight could see Tyson suffer fatal injuries.
Dr Stephen Hughes claims that as an older man and recovering alcoholic, Tyson is at risk of suffering a subdural haematoma – a tearing of veins in the brain.
Former two-weight world champion Hatton has criticised the fight and the ongoing trend of YouTube fighters moving into professional boxing.
Speaking to InstantCasinos.com, Hatton said: “I get the pushing and the shoving and the name calling and holding each other back, but some of the great champions of old will be turning in the grave watching that c*** to be honest with you.
“I’ll be turning in my grave and watching it myself. But, I’ve got my eyes open in the sense that this is the world that we’re in now.
“We’re in the entertainment business. YouTubers against MMA and MMA against boxers, I think that world can exist.
Ricky Hatton has criticised Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson (Image: Getty)
“As long as fights like Garcia, Crawford and Spence, Fury and Usyk happen. As long as those fights are made, they can stay in their world and we’ll stay in our world.
“Both can exist, I’m not turning around and saying, ‘oh, this is a joke’. We’re in the entertainment world, that’s the reason why they have the followings they have, because people want to see it.
“But let them have their world and we’ll have our world.”
