Boxing legend Mike Tyson has thrown his weight behind UFC CEO Dana White’s potential venture into the world of professional boxing. Speaking on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Tyson expressed his enthusiasm for White’s possible foray into the squared circle, stating, “That’s going to be the best thing to happen to boxing, just like UFC.”
Tyson, who is set to face Jake Paul in a highly anticipated bout on November 15, believes that White’s promotional style could revolutionize the sport. The former heavyweight champion praised the UFC’s approach to matchmaking, noting that only exciting fights are rewarded with continued opportunities in the organization.
“If you’re in UFC, and if anybody’s booing the fight, you’re not going to see that guy. His next fight is going to be in South Dakota somewhere. Only good fights,” Tyson explained. He contrasted this with boxing’s current landscape, where lackluster performances often lead to quick rematches or continued promotion of underwhelming fighters.
The 58-year-old boxer specifically mentioned Shakur Stevenson as an example of a star who continues to receive opportunities despite fan criticism. Stevenson recently defended his WBC lightweight title in a bout that was widely panned for its lack of action.
Tyson’s endorsement of White’s potential boxing promotion comes at a time when the sport is facing challenges in maintaining fan interest. The UFC’s success in mixed martial arts has been attributed in part to its ability to consistently deliver exciting matchups and build new stars.
As for his own upcoming match against Jake Paul, Tyson remained tight-lipped about his opponent’s abilities, simply stating, “He’s improved since the first time he fought.” The bout has drawn criticism due to the significant age difference between the two fighters, with Tyson being 31 years Paul’s senior.
The former champion also touched on the broader issue of athlete health and longevity in combat sports. When asked about NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s career decisions, Tyson offered a perspective that could apply to many veteran athletes: “There’s some athletes you have to protect them from themselves, because they would rather die than quit.”
