Lampley joins critics in questioning the legitimacy of the bout
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s upcoming fight has been dismissed as “not real” by iconic boxing commentator Jim Lampley, who joins many critics in questioning the legitimacy of the bout. Originally scheduled for July, the fight was postponed until November after Tyson, now 58, suffered a flare-up of an ulcer.
Despite the delay, both fighters have assured fans that their clash will be a professional one, although it will feature some non-standard conditions-eight two-minute rounds and the use of 14oz gloves.
Lampley, speaking on the Awful Announcing podcast, voiced his doubts about the seriousness of the match, highlighting concerns many in the boxing world share.
“My opinion is, for me, and what really matters is what does Mike want to do?,” he said.
“The audience loves him; the audience wants to see him. Jake Paul is a creature of social media. I, to this day, do not participate in social media. Think you can tell that I am basically old-fashioned. It’s not an event that appeals to me. And I wouldn’t expect to see anything meaningful for a serious boxing critic or reporter.
“The only reason I would watch it is in homage and loyalty to my very dear friend Mike Tyson. This is not going to be real boxing. This is not going to be a fight between two boxers who’ve trained most of their lives within the technique of boxing and who are at or near their physical peak. That’s not what we’re talking about.”
Willing to deliver
Despite the skepticism, both Tyson and Paul have promised to deliver knockouts when they step into the ring at AT&T Stadium.
However, Tyson’s last fight was an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, which ended in a draw after eight rounds under similar rules to his upcoming bout with Paul. This fight marks only his second appearance in the ring in 20 years.
On the other hand, Jake Paul, who is 30 years younger than Tyson, has fought 11 times as a professional, racking up 10 wins. His only loss came against Tommy Fury in 2022. In his most recent match, Paul secured a victory by stopping former UFC fighter Mike Perry in the sixth round, setting up his showdown with Tyson.
source:marca.com
