Conor McGregor has not held back in his critique of the upcoming fight between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson. Scheduled to take place in Arlington, Texas, this fight has attracted significant attention, partly due to the unusual pairing of a retired boxing icon with a social media star. McGregor, however, expressed skepticism about the event, calling it a “16-minute spar in sparring gloves” and implying that it lacks authenticity and competitive spirit.
The Irish UFC star, known for his candor, voiced his confusion over the fight’s appeal, stating the interest seems “low.” McGregor also questioned the logic behind Tyson, 57, returning to the ring, given his legendary career and advanced age. Despite his critique, McGregor extended his well wishes to Tyson but remained dismissive of the fight’s overall significance.
Jake Paul, in response, countered McGregor’s remarks by highlighting the attention the fight has garnered on social media. Paul claimed that the buzz surrounding his face-off with Tyson has surpassed the media engagement of McGregor’s own boxing matches, including his bout with Floyd Mayweather. He further accused McGregor of jealousy and hinted that the Irishman is avoiding a fight with him.
The fight, promoted as Netflix’s first live-streamed boxing event, has been polarizing, with fans and critics debating its merit. While Tyson’s power remains a draw, many share McGregor’s concerns about the fight’s competitiveness and its impact on boxing’s reputation. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but the pre-fight drama continues to fuel headlines.
