Following last month's widely mocked announcement that boxing legend Floyd "Money" Mayweather would be coming out of retirement for an exhibition bout against controversial YouTube figure Logan Paul, it seems social media has been ablaze with opinions on the event and celebrity boxing in general. From Paul's former opponent and British YouTube megastar KSI discussing the impact Logan's fight will have on the YouTube scene to several boxing fans claiming it is harmful to the culture of the sport, it seems opinion is divided on the match-up.
However, one of boxing's most iconic names had a lot to say on the matter during a recent interview on Logan Paul's podcast Impaulsive, with Mike Tyson coming forward to dish out a lot of praise for YouTube boxing. "I think it's the biggest thing and the biggest help for boxing in the history of boxing," the former world heavyweight champion claimed in response to a question from Paul's co-host Mike Majlak.
"That shows the power of boxing, that it's spreading into another field that doesn't even exist in the real boxing world," he continues, citing that he personally believes YouTube fights definitely have a place alongside premiere boxing bouts. It seems Tyson agrees with the sentiment of several boxers who have commented on popular internet celebrities hopping into the ring, claiming it brings new eyes to the sport and will bring aboard younger fans.
Referencing the infamous case where Luis Resto fought with illegal gloves and even his own notorious story where he bit off Evander Holyfield's ear, Tyson also questions "how low can boxing go?" It seems his belief is that boxing has experienced its fair share of disgraceful acts, and in Tyson's eyes, they have dishonored the sport far more than the emergence of YouTube fighters like Logan Paul and KSI.
It's an interesting take, especially coming from one of boxing's biggest and best stars. As for YouTube boxing, it seems there are still more fights to come, with Logan Paul and Mayweather's bout slated for February and rumors indicating that KSI is looking to step into the ring with Jake Paul following his knockout of NBA star Nate Robinson. Over the years, several of the social media platform's biggest stars have entered the ring, including Faze Sensai, Joe Weller, AnEsonGib, ComedyShortsGamer, FouseyTube, and more. While many thought YouTube's venture into boxing would end after Logan Paul's defeat at the hands of KSI back in 2019, it seems it'll continue with a number of bouts in the months to come.