In an explosive rant, Strickland holds nothing back, calling out the celebrity boxing circus.
In the world of combat sports, few figures draw the ire of the public like Jake Paul. Known for his brash personality and for taking on aging legends in the ring, Paul’s latest matchup with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is no exception. Scheduled for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, the fight promises to be a spectacle, if not for skill, then certainly for controversy. Tyson, who earned his title as the youngest heavyweight champion, will face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in an eight-round bout that has fans and fighters alike raising eyebrows.
Yet, the bout’s announcement has ignited a backlash for more than just its novelty. At 58, Tyson, who hasn’t competed professionally in nearly two decades, now faces a competitor less than half his age. This staggering age difference has raised concerns about both the legitimacy and ethics of the matchup, especially given Tyson’s history of health issues, which in recent years have at times seen him in a wheelchair. On the flip side, the 27-year-old Paul has been keeping active, fighting four times in the past year alone, and is seemingly at the peak of his physical form.
For former UFC champion Sean Strickland, the fight isn’t just a mismatch-it’s an insult to the integrity of combat sports. During a recent interview with MMA journalist‘The Schmo,’ Strickland didn’t hold back his thoughts, delivering a profanity-laden tirade that left no room for ambiguity. “It’s bulls**t, man,” Strickland fumed. “How old is Mike Tyson? 60? 57. Jake Paul [is 27]. You [Paul] are a disgrace of a man. You are the epitome of weakness, you are the scum of the earth.”
Strickland’s disgust extends beyond the perceived dangers for Tyson; it’s personal. Paul’s reputation as a polarizing figure-built on loud-mouthed antics and unapologetic showmanship-has rubbed Strickland the wrong way, and he wasn’t shy about voicing it. The UFC vet even went as far as to say he hopes to avoid a confrontation with Paul in person, fearing he might “lose [his] s**t and go to prison.”
Jake Paul, of course, has made a career out of getting under people’s skin. The former Disney star’s strategy has been to taunt his way into pay-per-view headliners, using social media provocations to lure traditional fighters into matchups and then capitalize on the ensuing media frenzy. It’s a method that’s infuriating to the purists but undeniably profitable-a fact that clearly only fuels Strickland’s disdain.
Tyson’s fearless stance adds fuel to a fiery fight: ‘I’d rather die in the ring’
Adding to the intrigue, Tyson himself isn’t exactly backing down from the challenge. Known for his iron will and fearless approach, Tyson has reportedly claimed he’s willing to “die in the ring” rather than go down without a fight. It’s classic Tyson, and in some ways, it’s the very spirit that endears him to fans worldwide. Even at his age, Tyson’s attitude is unyielding, as if he’s still the fighter who took on all comers in his prime.
This remark from Tyson, though, suggests that fans hoping for a mere exhibition might be in for something else entirely. Rumors had circulated that the bout would be more akin to a sparring session, but Tyson’s willingness to take serious risks hints that he plans to deliver a performance worthy of his reputation. For Strickland, however, this determination only adds to the absurdity of pitting a 58-year-old legend against a young, hungry fighter like Paul.
Mike Tyson is 56 years-old and this is the scariest he has ever looked. Jake Paul should be worried. pic.twitter.com/HSTtmmWY3l
— HiNote. 🛸 (@HiNoteee) October 24, 2024
The matchup’s broader implications for boxing haven’t been lost on the community. As more celebrity bouts crop up, the debate around legacy and respect for the sport has intensified. To fighters like Strickland, these matchups dilute the essence of boxing, turning it into a sideshow rather than a serious athletic competition. And with Paul positioning himself as a legitimate competitor, Strickland’s grievances represent those of a community watching its traditions get warped by spectacle.
Despite the criticisms, the bout is expected to draw a massive crowd, with tickets selling fast and viewership numbers likely to break records. For fans, it’s less about the matchup’s credibility and more about the allure of seeing Tyson, even past his prime, step back into the ring. Whether this proves to be a victory for entertainment or a blow to boxing’s heritage, only time will tell. For now, Strickland’s vehement opposition speaks to a growing divide in the fight world-one where spectacle often wins out over substance.
