Mike Tyson's legacy deserves better than a Jake Paul fight that panders to social media

Boxing fans have respected Mike Tyson for decades, admiring his ferocity, skill, and an aura of invincibility that once defined the heavyweight division - but his legacy Is set to be tarnished If he loses to Jake Paul

Boxing fans have respected Mike Tyson for decades, admiring his ferocity, skill, and an aura of invincibility that once defined the heavyweight division.

Aside from the biting of ears, his legacy is one of raw power and unforgettable victories, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. But the thought of 58-year-old stepping into the ring with cocksure YouTube star Jake Paul In the early hours of Saturday feels offbeat and almost disrespectful to the legacy Tyson has built.

There’s a 31-year age gap between the two - a chasm of experience, skill, and history that a few celebrity matches and social media bravado can't bridge.

While Paul has attracted attention in the ring, he’s far from a seasoned boxer; his draw is built more on internet hype than on real boxing prowess.

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Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson will face Jake Paul in the ring on November 15. The fight will air exclusively on Netflix, which is available for free with Sky's latest TV deal.

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Frankly, ‘the Problem Child’ as he likes to be known couldn’t lace Tyson's gloves, let alone hold his own against the former champ in his prime. For the former champ, this isn’t just another fight; it’s a high-stakes moment that risks more than his record.

If he loses to a younger, less experienced Paul, it would diminish the memory fans hold of him as an unstoppable force. Instead of celebrating him as the fearsome fighter he was, fans could see him reduced to a novelty act in a circus of celebrity boxing.

While the financial reward for Tyson of the Netflix may be significant, the cost to his reputation is hard to ignore. His legacy deserves better than a gimmick bout that panders to social media clout rather than genuine athleticism.

While he might see this as a huge payday, it risks him becoming a spectacle himself rather than a respected legend.