Stephen A. Smith has slammed the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for sanctioning Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson as a pro-fight.
The two will face off on July 20 from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a professional bout fought under eight, two-minute rounds. They will wear 14-ounce gloves, with judges on hand to make a decision that will go on their record. Tyson is taking the fight seriously, training three times a day. He has also imposed a ban on marijuana and sex to get in the best possible shape.
Paul is the more active fighter compared to Tyson. Tyson’s last pro fight was in 2005, losing to Kevin McBride. That was followed by an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Paul is coming off two wins since December, stopping Andre August and Ryan Bourland in the first round. The age gap has been criticized as Tyson will be 58, while Paul will enter the ring at 28. Smith felt there were too many safety concerns to make this a pro-fight.
Smith Reacts
“I’m sad, I’m saddened by it. I’m disgusted by it. I don’t like it one bit. I’m not taking anything away from the great Mike Tyson, who we all treasure because of the years of greatness he gave us, but he is 57. And in Jake Paul’s case, the only real fighter he’s fought has been Tommy Fury, who is not considered in the upper echelon in anybody’s mind.
“Jake Paul has been training with professional boxing trainers for years … when are you going to get in the ring with a modern day reputable fighter with a big name who isn’t 20-plus years removed from retirement? The only time we’ve seen [Mike Tyson] in the ring in that span is for an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr.
“I mean, c’mon man. Listen, Tyson can hurt anybody … and I’m not dismissing that, but he hasn’t been fighting, and Jake Paul hasn’t fought any real, ranked professional boxers. Why should this be a sanctioned boxing match?,” Smith said
The fight does nothing to enhance either of their careers. Paul has spoken about his desire to become a world champion. Facing Tyson does not make that dream come any closer. It is a big risk since a loss will harm Paul’s brand. If he cannot beat an old Tyson, he cannot expect to beat the elite fighters to win a belt.
Tyson also does not need money. Since declaring himself bankrupt, he has formed a successful marijuana company, Tyson 2.0. His company reportedly sells products in 24 states in the US. While the fight will bring in a huge number of casual fans, Smith felt Paul needed to find out the reason why he wanted to continue fighting.
Paul’s Legacy
“I like Jake Paul, and I appreciate what he does for the sport of boxing in terms of bringing attention to the sport, and showing you can do it promoting yourself as opposed to being at the mercy of promoters. The flip side to it, however, is that he keeps telling us how serious he’s taking this, and how bad he wants it. Well, OK, if you want the money, man, please, keep doing your thing.
“But if it’s not just about that, and if it’s bout you wanting to elevate your level, then you’ve got to get in the ring with somebody of your ilk, your age, your size — because he’s fought dudes who are smaller than him, by the way, and stuff like that. You got to do that,” Smith added
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