Mauricio Sulaiman opens up on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has shared his thoughts on Mike Tyson coming out of retirement to fight Jake Paul.
Tyson vs. Paul is set for July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which will be aired on Netflix.
UFC CEO Dana White pulled no punches as he hit out at the booking while Conor McGregor slammed the fight.
Paul’s manager, however, Nakisa Bidarian, defended Tyson vs. Paul as he denied a major rule change.
Tyson has officially started his training camp ahead of his summer showdown against Paul and fans think the fight is already done.
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It will be the 57-year-old’s first appearance in a ring since his exhibition bout against fellow boxing icon Roy Jones Jr.
The WBC supported Tyson vs. Jones Jr, with the sanctioning body’s president backing ‘Iron’ Mike’s fight against ‘The Problem Child’.
He said: “I’m sure Mike is going about this responsibly. He’s in very good shape. Mike Tyson is one of the greatest, iconic and legendary champions.
“Jake Paul has come into boxing and we must thank him and embrace him, for bringing millions of young eyeballs to our sport.”
Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr with WBC titles after their exhibition bout. Image: Getty
Sulaiman added: “It’s a fight and a real event. No one can certainly say Jake Paul will win, because he’s young. No one can say Mike Tyson will win because he’s a legend, so it’s interesting.
“I only pray it will be done with all the medicals and everything is done with huge care and it’s going to be a great event. They will prepare fully for this.”
Paul could earn a WBC ranking if he beats Tyson.
He was promised a spot in the WBC rankings if he had beaten Tommy Fury.
However, the 27-year-old was defeated by Fury, who outpointed him in their Saudi Arabia clash last year.
Paul has since reeled off three wins in a row, beating Nate Diaz, Andre August and Ryan Bourland.
