Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is likely the most controversial matchup in combat sports in 2024. Every critic that has spoken against the matchup has pointed at one particular thing, the thirty-plus age difference between the two fighters. Boxing promoter and former champion Oscar De La Hoya is skeptical about Mike Tyson’s chances against the much younger and active Jake Paul. Here is what happened:
Oscar De La Hoya recently did an interview on the podcast Club Shay Shay. There he expressed his concerns about Mike Tyson’s upcoming fight against Jake Paul. De La Hoya, who has a deep respect for Tyson, highlighted the significant risks involved in the bout due to Tyson’s age.
Come on. 61-years-old? I love Tyson. He’s got a puncher’s chance for the first three rounds. I am a little scared of Tyson getting hurt after the third round. Jake Paul’s a big boy. He’s what, 26-years-old? Tyson’s 61. I’m happy for Tyson that he’s making money and he still loves it and is in shape. Just be careful. Oscar De La Hoya on Club Shay Shay
Tyson is 58 years old and will face the much younger and more active Jake Paul, who is 27. Despite his concerns, De La Hoya did acknowledge the entertainment value and the financial success of such a match. The promoter noted that it would attract a diverse audience, which could be beneficial for the sport of boxing.
The highly anticipated boxing match will take place this November at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The venue is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The fight will be streamed live globally and exclusively on Netflix. The professional match will consist of eight two-minute rounds, with both fighters using 14-ounce gloves.
Oscar De La Hoya reveals why Canelo Alvarez vs. Jake Paul would not happen
The one criticism that Jake Paul has got time and time again is that he was not a real boxer. Paul has been in the game for a while and has placed himself as one of the biggest prize fighters in the space. However, Paul is still struggling to put a gravitas behind his name.
Oscar De La Hoya was recently asked on the podcast Club Shay Shay, if he could set up a boxing match between Paul and Canelo Alvarez. The relationship between the promoter and the boxing champion is not that great. But De La Hoya said he could get it done, only that there was one problem.
I could make that happen but Canelo hates the s**t out of me... It would be a lot of money but still, it's not legacy. Oscar De La Hoya on Club Shay Shay
Jake Paul has been vocal about wanting to face Canelo. He considers it his dream fight after moving on from targeting Conor McGregor. Paul believes that the fight is closer than people think, and has previously suggested that Canelo has shown some interest in the idea. However, Canelo has not committed to the idea.
He has hinted at being open to the possibility, but many still consider it unlikely. Meanwhile, Jake Paul continues to build his boxing resume, and he may need to prove himself further before Canelo seriously considers the match.