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Oscar De La Hoya has delivered a no-nonsense message to Jake Paul (9-1, 6 KOs), urging the YouTube sensation turned boxer to get serious about his boxing career. This comes on the heels of Paul's promotional firm, Most Valuable Promotions, announcing a bout between the brash influencer and former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
After scoring a first-round stoppage against Ryan Bourland in Puerto Rico, Paul floated the idea of taking on undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. However, he swiftly pivoted to a matchup with Tyson, a move that has raised eyebrows for its audacity and spectacle.
Tyson, who will be 58 years old when he steps into the ring against the 28-year-old Paul, presents a significant age gap and experience differential. De La Hoya, speaking to FightHype, echoed the sentiments of many boxing purists, insisting that Paul needs to treat the sport with more respect and not just as a platform to boost his fame.
"Jake Paul, if you're serious about being a world champion, you need to start acting like one," De La Hoya admonished. "This isn't about popularity; it's about dedication and skill. I give him credit for taking his career seriously, but facing an icon like Mike Tyson won't do him any favors in the long run."
De La Hoya emphasized the importance of Paul choosing his opponents wisely and following a strategic path to a potential world title, rather than chasing quick fame and fortune. He also expressed concern for Tyson's legacy, suggesting that the former champion's reputation could be tarnished by participating in such a spectacle.
"Mike Tyson is a legend of the sport, and he deserves respect," De La Hoya stated. "He's faced some of the toughest fighters in history, and he doesn't need to prove anything. As for the fight itself, Tyson could still go a few rounds, but I worry about the impact on his legacy."
Tyson's last professional fight was in 2005, where he retired in the sixth round against Kevin McBride. He returned to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr.