‘It’s kind of cool’ – Floyd Mayweather issues surprise verdict on Jake Paul’s fight with Mike Tyson
Floyd Mayweather has defended Jake Paul's upcoming clash with Mike Tyson.
Paul has come into widespread criticism for his latest event where he will face heavyweight veteran Mike Tyson on July 20, in a bout that is sanctioned on their professional records.
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But boxing legend Mayweather, who has been fighting in his own series of exhibitions since retiring in 2017, has no resentment to the showdown.
“What he’s doing is kinda cool," Mayweather said on .
"If he can continue to steal money and they match him the way they match him, I can’t knock his hustle.
"If they continue to match him how they do it, more power to him."
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Mayweather's complimentary stance may come as a surprise given the pair have feuded for several years in the past.
Paul ignited his feud with the pound-for-pound great after stealing his hat at the press conference for his brother Logan's exhibition against 'Money'.
A showdown between the pair has since regularly been teased, with Paul vowing to lure the champion out of retirement for one last professional fight.
But the 15-belt world champion has resisted offers and a ring meeting is now unlikely to materialise.
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Paul has lured another boxing icon in the shape of 'Iron Mike' to the ring despite their 31-year age gap.
Tyson hasn't fought competitively since retiring from the sport in 2005 after defeat to Kevin McBride.
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But he will now need to overcome age to try and stop Paul in a real bout, which will go down on his dazzling professional record.
The heavyweight icon has been releasing training footage in a bid to prove his fitness, and has shown off his trademark power.
And given the short bursts he has shown off his thunderous shots, it could be symbolic given the fight will be tussled over eight two-minute rounds.
Former world champion Tony Bellew has been outspoken about the clash, and has questioned why the short format has been adopted.
He remarked: "How the f*** has that been getting registered as a professional bout?
"It's got 14-ounce gloves and you're fighting two-minute rounds. What the f*** is going on?
"Mike Tyson's whole career has been fought over three-minute rounds. How is he allowing a two-minute round bout to go on his professional record?
"The women's code is over two-minute rounds, not the men's. It's a disgrace. It's an absolute p*** take."
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