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The main event on Friday night, featuring Jake Paul and the iconic Mike Tyson , faced significant backlash for a number of reasons. One of the most frequently raised criticisms was directed at Paul for choosing to step into the ring with a 58-year-old version of Tyson, who hadn’t fought professionally since 2005, while Paul is 27. Despite the criticism, Paul remained respectful throughout the fight and afterward.
He didn’t resort to any unsportsmanlike behavior and even explained post-fight that he didn’t feel the need to hurt someone who didn’t need to be hurt, especially when Tyson appeared visibly tired in the later rounds. Nevertheless, Paul has been called out by several figures, including a notable potential challenger— Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh . Walsh, an up-and-coming professional boxer himself, was one of the more prominent voices to throw shade at Paul following the fight.
"Jake Paul is an embarrassment to this sport. If my grandfather was still around, he’d call him out. Absolutely no shame.
.. Love you Mike.
" Ali Walsh posted. Jake Paul is an embarrassment to this sport. If my grandfather was still around, he’d call him out.
Absolutely no shame...
Love you Mike🙏🏼 Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest boxer to ever step foot in the ring. A three-time heavyweight champion, Ali was the first fighter to accomplish that remarkable feat. His final record stood at 56-5, with 37 career knockouts.
Ali passed away in June of 2016 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson's disease. His grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, made his professional boxing debut in August 2021 and has been vocal about his displeasure with Jake Paul's impact on the sport of boxing Paul now holds a professional record of 11-1, with seven career knockouts. However, his record against current professional boxers stands at 1-1, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Tommy Fury, the younger brother of Tyson Fury.
Nico Ali Walsh shares the same record as Paul—11-1 overall, but with five knockouts. However, Walsh competes in the middleweight division, which typically means a weight class of 160 pounds. While there have been rumors of a potential matchup between Paul and Walsh, the significant difference in weight class would require substantial adjustments to create a fair and legal bout.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images However, a fight with Nico Ali Walsh would be a true and legitimate test for Jake Paul, who has primarily faced UFC fighters or athletes from other sports. Paul does have notable wins against UFC legends like Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, and Ben Askren. He has also called out Conor McGregor numerous times, though McGregor has seemingly declined each offer.
Still, many believe it’s time for Paul to step into the ring with a real professional boxer who has a similar stature, age, and resume to his own. Related: Amanda Serrano Issues Statement Following Controversial Loss to Katie Taylor.
