The many curious people who expect to watch on their screen a real boxing fight when the famous Mike Tyson crosses gloves with the influencer Jake Paul, Friday, in Arlington, risk remaining hungry, unless they moderate their appetite insatiable for blows.
A few hours before the highly publicized clash planned at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, many are questioning its legitimacy and authenticity. Some, like former world champion Carl Froch, believe that the dice are already loaded, while others believe that the quality of the fight will be considerably reduced despite the heavy promotion aimed at boosting the event.
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Questioned Thursday evening on the sidelines of his organization’s gala at the Montreal Casino, the big boss of GYM, Yvon Michel, believes that people who are not necessarily boxing fanatics or purists of this sport will find what they are looking for. Because it will be anything but true.
“It all depends on your expectations. If you want a boxing match, you’ll probably be disappointed, he warned. It’s settled Vince McMahon style [l’ex-président et chef de la direction de la World Wrestling Entertainment]: Among the two, Tyson is the most in danger. However, they won’t want to make him look bad and Paul will be careful. It will be an exhibition clash during which the two will pretend to exchange solid blows.
“It will be the same principle as in professional wrestling, when Hulk Hogan faced Randy “Macho Man” Savage: good sport-entertainment. If you expect a boxing show and not a fight, you will have a great evening.
Not impressed
For his part, GYM’s vice-president of operations and recruitment, Bernard Barré, was much more acerbic and critical.
“There is a circus side to it and we, boxing fans, are not particularly proud. Honestly, it’s disappointing. Will this fight make sense? he asked himself, while admitting that he will still watch the face-to-face meeting. For example, the one between Tyson and Roy Jones [le 28 novembre 2020] was a standout duel and it was worthy of a session in a gym. I don’t see the point, it’s more for the curious.”
“It will be more of a show just boxing and it’s not glorifying. “It does not bring to the forefront this sport which has often been marked by this type of event,” he continued.
A gap of 31 years
On a technical and athletic level, we should not expect dazzling performances, said Michel. The oldest of the protagonists is approaching sixty and the youngest is rather known for his videos on YouTube.
“Tyson is 58 years old and to believe that he will dominate as much as in his prime is to overestimate human abilities. We still remember his knockouts. percussive and video games Punch-Outbut we have forgotten his decline. His last official fight took place 19 years ago and he lost to a journeymanKevin McBride. He has suffered defeat in three of his last four appearances. At his age, his reflexes and endurance are no longer there, so his ability to take punches is diminished.
As for Paul, we can qualify him as a boxing impostor, judging by Michel’s words.
“He claims to be a boxer, but he will never become one. He’s a great seller, a bit like Canelo Alvarez, except this one gives us real fights, he said. At 27 years old, Paul is a good and strong athlete. However, he is not a boxer.”
“Without his former speed, Tyson no longer has his punching power. Paul, I wouldn’t bet on him in an amateur championship, but he is likely to win on Friday,” added Barré.
Promotional tool
However, there is one aspect that should not be overlooked and it will not concern the action in the arena.
“The positive is that it raises standards. Netflix wants to evaluate its involvement in boxing: it is the largest global broadcasting platform with its 268 million subscribers and here, it is an attempt, mentioned Michel. And let’s not forget that the event offers excellent fights. The rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will set a record for purses awarded in women’s boxing.
