Katie Taylor has expressed her concerns regarding the upcoming fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.
While the Nov. 15 clash between Tyson and Paul has faced criticism for its lack of traditional sporting merit, the main event on the card — Taylor defending her undisputed super lightweight title in a 138-pound catchweight rematch against Amanda Serrano — has drawn plenty of attention and praise. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix.
Taylor, who has immense respect for Tyson, voiced apprehension over the age gap between the 58-year-old boxing legend and the 27-year-old YouTube star-turned-fighter, Jake Paul.
“I obviously have my concerns about Mike Tyson, just because he’s a legend and I don’t want to see him get hurt or anything,” Taylor shared during an appearance on Uncrowned’s The Ariel Helwani Show. “I think Jake Paul is a great athlete, and he’s improving as a fighter. He’s a young, fresh guy, and I just have so much respect for Mike Tyson. I’d hate to see Mike losing to someone like that, to be quite honest.”
Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), 38, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. She famously defeated Amanda Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs) in their thrilling 2022 encounter, which is considered one of the best boxing matches of the year. It also made history as the first-ever women’s fight to headline Madison Square Garden.
Taylor first met Tyson in May during a promotional event for the fight. She couldn’t contain her excitement when she met the Hall of Famer.
“I think Mike Tyson is everyone’s icon in the sport, isn’t he?” said Taylor. “Everyone in boxing has watched him fight at some point. He’s known as the baddest man on the planet, and he’s loved by the boxing world. To have the chance to sit next to him and speak with him, and to see his vast knowledge of the sport — he’s a true historian. I never imagined that I’d be boxing on the same card as Mike Tyson. It’s such a pinch-me moment.”
A famously reserved figure outside the ring, Taylor also recalled a memorable conversation she had with Tyson before a press conference in Dallas. She sought advice from him on handling the media aspect of the sport, which she’s not particularly fond of.
“I was talking to him for about 45 minutes before the press conference,” Taylor recalled. “He was such a gentleman, and just a great guy in boxing. It was incredible to sit down and talk with him. He was so kind to me. I was asking him about his thoughts on the Jake Paul fight and how he’s feeling about his own fight. I also mentioned that I’m not a big fan of press conferences, and he told me, ‘That’s where all the money is made.’ We talked about some of his old fights too, and it was just an amazing moment for me.”
Tyson was a dominant and feared heavyweight champion during the late 1980s and 1990s, known for his knockout power and aggressive style. However, he has not fought professionally since a 2005 loss to Kevin McBride, and his withdrawal from the original July 20 fight against Paul due to an ulcer flare-up has only raised further doubts about the matchup.
Despite her concerns, Taylor is firmly backing Tyson ahead of the Nov. 15 fight. She did, however, acknowledge Jake Paul’s impact on the sport of boxing.
“Jake Paul is an amazing businessman, and it’s incredible what he’s done for the sport,” Taylor said. “He’s become one of the biggest names in boxing — something nobody would have expected.”
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