Mike Tyson says boxing owes fighters like Jake Paul as UFC was 'kicking them'

After 15 long years, Mike Tyson made his much-awaited boxing return on Saturday night when he took on fellow legend Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition fight, which ended in a split draw. Prior to main event, Blake McKernan battled former two-weight world champion Badou Jack which, according to many was a lacklustre, as it went to an unconvincing decision. However, co-main event of PPV proved to be most explosive as YouTuber Jake Paul extended his pro boxing record to 2-0 by defeating Nate Robinson by KO in second round.

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Mike Tyson praises Jake Paul and or YouTube boxers

Problem Child kcked out former NBA superstar after a barr of right-and-lefts and received praise from almost everyone, including Mike Tyson. At post-fight conference, 54-year-old hailed Paul and or YouTube boxers for bringing new viewers to sport. t just that, ‘ Baddest Man on Planet’ also thinks that officials should give YouTube boxers a belt for saving sport as UFC “was kicking our bu**s”.

“Boxing was pretty much a dying sport. UFC was kicking our bu**s, and w we got se YouTube boxers boxing with 25 million views. Boxing’s going back. Thanks to YouTube boxers,” he added.

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Mike Tyson’s comments are t completely wrong as YouTube boxers indeed draw a huge audience. For example, Logan Paul vs KSI YouTube PPV - where Jake Paul competed on undercard - drew more than 2 million viewers and generated a $3.5 million revenue. However, boxing has also thrived with a massive event like Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 2 and Vasyl Lomachenko vs Teofimo Lopez this year.

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While boxing is getting back on his feet with recent anuncement of future high-profile bouts like Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev and Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury, UFC has been more consistent in COVID era with events taking place almost every week. Sometimes UFC events make even more revenue when it features superstars such as Cor McGregor, Israel Adesanya or Khabib Nurmagomedov in cards.

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Im Source: AP, Jake Paul/ Instagram