Deontay Wilder Expresses Concerns Over Jake Paul’s Potential Match Against Mike Tyson
The upcoming clash between the YouTuber-turned-boxer and the legendary heavyweight icon in Arlington on July 20 has raised concerns, with Tyson set to be 58 years old and nearly two decades removed from his last professional bout.
Despite revised rules, including the use of larger gloves and shorter rounds, former WBC heavyweight world champion Wilder, 38, criticized the Texas commission for sanctioning the fight. He expressed worries about the risks Tyson might face due to his long period of inactivity and age.
Wilder emphasized the potential dangers of such a bout, citing examples of fighters being seriously injured. He believes that Tyson’s age and lack of recent activity make him vulnerable and that sanctioning the fight could lead to severe consequences.
While Paul, 27, has a record of 9-1, with his only loss being a split-decision to Tommy Fury, Wilder believes that losing to him would be more damaging to Tyson’s legacy than his previous defeats.
Wilder expressed reluctance to witness a matchup between a boxing legend and a YouTuber, fearing that a defeat for Tyson would overshadow his illustrious career. He emphasized the importance of preserving Tyson’s legacy and expressed concern about how such an outcome would be remembered in the sport’s history.
