Terence Crawford has slammed Mike Tyson's recent exhibition bout against Jake Paul. The undefeated boxing champion didn't hold back when sharing his thoughts on the match.
Crawford voiced his disapproval on the Club Shay Shay podcast, hosted by Shannon Sharpe. He said:
"I love Tyson. Tyson shouldn't have been out there. At all."
While Crawford respects Tyson's legacy, he felt the former heavyweight champion's participation in this fight was a mistake.
Crawford didn't stop there. He took to social media to express his frustration further, stating:
"That s*** was trash"
He pointed out the significant difference in punch statistics between Tyson and Paul, suggesting the fight lacked competitive balance.
The bout, which took place at AT&T; Stadium in Arlington, Texas, grabbed global attention. It featured a 58-year-old Tyson squaring off against 27-year-old Paul, a social media personality turned boxer.
Crawford's comments have sparked a broader discussion about the trend of aging boxing legends returning to the ring to face younger, less experienced opponents. These matches, often driven by commercial interests, raise concerns about the physical risks for older athletes and the potential dilution of boxing's credibility.
The fight has had mixed impacts on boxing. On one hand, it's increased viewership and revenue, with Paul bringing in new audiences. On the other, it's led professionals like Crawford to question the sport's integrity.
Crawford's stance serves as a reminder from elite professionals that not all attention is good attention. His commentary adds weight to the ongoing debate about boxing's future and the standards it should uphold.
As the discussion continues, the boxing world must grapple with balancing public interest and preserving the sport's integrity. Crawford's outspoken criticism ensures this conversation will remain at the forefront of the boxing community.
