Jake Paul’s Team Fires Back at Eddie Hearn Over Mike Tyson Fight Criticism

Jake Paul’s team has clapped back at promoter Eddie Hearn after he voiced strong criticism over Paul’s upcoming fight against heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, set for November 15. The bout has sparked widespread debate, particularly over the significant age gap between the 26-year-old Paul and the 58-year-old Tyson. Hearn has been one of the loudest critics, calling it a “freak show.”

Paul’s business partner and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian, responded sharply to Hearn’s remarks, calling out his perceived hypocrisy.

Bidarian commented, “I keep seeing Eddie Hearn criticizing Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, saying how anyone involved in it has no empathy for the sport, and how he’d never touch a fight like that. But Eddie, you are involved. Katie Taylor, your most celebrated fighter, is the co-main event and it’s her biggest payday ever. So, thank you to Netflix, thank you to MVP, and most of all, thank you to Jake Paul for making it happen.”

Bidarian also pointed to Hearn’s past criticisms of other high-profile bouts, saying, “When Francis Ngannou fought Tyson Fury, Eddie called it a circus. But when he had the chance to promote Anthony Joshua versus Ngannou, suddenly it became a ‘real fight.’”

Hearn Responds to the Accusations

Hearn didn’t let the comments slide, defending his position online. He emphasized that the situation between Tyson and Ngannou was vastly different, stating, “There’s a big difference. Francis was an active UFC fighter who just beat (in my opinion) Tyson Fury, which gave him the credibility he needed. Mike [Tyson] is in his 50s, and he was past his prime 20 years ago.”

The Controversial Fight

Jake Paul, who holds a 10-1 record, suffered his only defeat in 2023 against Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury. Mike Tyson, meanwhile, retired from professional boxing in 2005 after a string of losses and a turbulent personal life. Tyson did return to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., but many saw it as little more than a sparring session.

This time, however, Tyson is preparing for a professionally sanctioned fight against Paul, and both fighters will undergo drug testing. Tyson will also be required to pass additional health checks due to his age, including brain and heart exams. Tyson was initially forced to withdraw from the original July 20 date due to a flare-up of an ulcer, but the fight was quickly rescheduled with Netflix as one of the main organizers.

Hearn Doubles Down on His Criticism

Despite the controversy, Hearn remains staunch in his opposition to the fight, telling SunSport, “I understand this ‘freak show’ could pull good numbers, but if you care about the sport and its history, especially the legacy of one of the greatest fighters of all time, this isn’t something you’d ever consider. It’s not something a real boxing person would get involved with.”

As the date approaches, the debate over the fight only intensifies, with fans and industry insiders weighing in on whether this clash between Paul and Tyson is a spectacle worth watching or a disservice to the sport.