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Jake Paul doesn't have a lot of fans in the boxing industry. His social media following speaks for itself, but when it comes to demanding respect from his newfound boxing peers, it's become a very tall task. He hasn't made it any easier on himself after defeating Mike Tyson in a boring fight.
The bout was controversial and considered a farce by many as soon as it was announced. Not helping matters was a postponement following a health scare for the aging Tyson. The fight ended up going ahead a few months later, but Tyson looked his age, moving slow in the ring and not throwing many punches. Paul ultimately won, then mentioned after the fight that he took it easy on Tyson, which angered fans of Iron Mike even more. Fans weren't the only ones who weren't thrilled with the event.
Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight continues to draw plenty of criticism
Plenty of current and former boxers were almost saddened by what they say. High-profile boxing promoters slammed the fight, calling it "not boxing". Among those displeased promoters is Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi Arabian Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority that has become a major player in the boxing industry.
He recently spoke about the fight and lit into Paul.
If he wants to be a real boxer, he needs to take on big fights against boxers, not treat it like a show. That's my opinion, because it's damaging to boxing. I know he doesn't like this... Boxing is not 14oz gloves, not two-minute rounds, not beating a legend at the age of your grandfather. Boxing is not like this. Do not name it boxing please.
Alalshikh calls it a "show, entertainment". He doesn't think Paul truly wants to be considered as a real boxer. Instead, he believes Paul is just in it for the money and the fame. In reality, who can blame Paul?
He's making an exorbitant amount of money and doesn't have to take many risks in regards to his health. Tyson was old, and most of his other opponents didn't have real boxing experience, except for Tommy Fury. Paul is playing the game, and it's working.