Tony Bellew has branded Jake Paul an ‘absolute disgrace’ for ensuring that his fight with Mike Tyson will count against the professional records of both boxers.
The event has been widely criticised by fans, with the age gap between the two men coming under fierce scrutiny. Tyson recently turned 58 while Paul, despite being a novice boxer, is 27 and in peak physical condition.
The bout is a sanctioned event, meaning it is not an exhibition and the result will count on the official records of both fighters.
“I understand why it’s happening,” Bellew told Express Sport as an ambassador for the Men on a Mission campaign, raising awareness for mental health and unhealthy drinking patterns in men aged over 50.
“It’s a huge money-making machine so I understand why it’s happening. I’m only critical of Jake Paul wanting it to be on Mike Tyson’s professional record, which I think is an absolute disgrace.
“If you ask me what’s going to happen, I literally have no idea. I’m hoping Mike just comes out and chins him. That would be the dream, but is that what’s going to happen? Probably not. Is that what Jake Paul is paying him to do? Definitely not.
“I have no idea what is going to happen. Will I be watching? Absolutely, because I’m intrigued. I just hope he doesn’t hurt Mike. If he does hurt Mike, I’ll be one of the boxers in a big, long queue waiting to get my hands on him.”
Bellew is working with DRINKiQ and Men’s Sheds to raise awareness of mental health and drinking problems in older men, something he is very passionate about.
“We know the stats tell us that one in four men aged between 50 and 75 hardly ever think about their mental wellbeing and mental health,” he explained.
“You don’t really speak about it. It’s like a taboo subject. They don’t really want to speak about it, they don’t feel the need to. They actually think it’s weak. Those are the guys who are turning to drink.
“Before you know it, it catches up with you and it piles on and something has to be done about that. We need to be out there speaking to men of this age and letting them know there are other things to do because it’s so, so difficult.”
