Every Thursday here at FightHype, I pull out my gigantic, bulbous, bulging sack and give truth-minded boxing fans a gander. This week, I shoot ropes of truth all over comments/questions regarding Jake Paul-Mike Tyson, Bakhram Murtazaliev, and the Charlo Bros.
Jake Paul-Mike Tyson
Magno.
I wince to even bring this up, but what do you think about the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight on November 15? As much as I’d like not to be interested in the damn thing, I am. It’s obviously not going to be elite world class boxing, but I’m curious about how this plays out and if Tyson’s age is a greater factor than Paul’s lack of skill. For me, right now, my heart says Tyson, but my head says Paul. What say you?
– Dave from Boston
Hey Dave.
I’d be willing to wager a fat stack– of Arby’s coupons– that, by the time Jake Paul-Mike Tyson hits the ring (IF it hits the ring), it will have been downgraded to an exhibition. There’s already a provision where the Texas commission will have the right to review both fighters the day before the fight to assess the health risk, specifically to the 58-year-old Tyson. If there’s even the slightest hint of “Iron” Mike having the sniffles, be sure that steps will be taken to make the fight a non-fight. Nobody in the Texas Department of License and Regulation wants to be held responsible for the death of a nearly 60-year-old sports icon on live TV.
So, for me, who wins is a moot point. I think, if it’s changed to an exhibition, they’ll just lightly spar as 80% of the viewing public, who doesn’t yet know it’s an exhibition, wonders what the hell they’re watching.
If Paul-Tyson DOES get fought as a “real” fight, I think Paul may smother Tyson early on and then play it safety-first the rest of the way against a winded Tyson en route to a dubious draw.
Murtazaliev, Superstar?
Hi Paul.
What’s next for Bakhram Murtazaliev after destroying Tim Tszyu on Saturday? Did we see the breakthrough of a new star in the sport? There are lots of big names at 154 and lots of paths to the top of the division. What do you see in the future for Murtazaliev?
– L.T.
Hey L.T.
It’s cute how some media “experts” have been crowing about Murtazaliev and his path to stardom.
Umm, no. Murtazaliev will NOT be a star. We won’t see his hairy mug on a Wheaties box or doing a commercial for Amazon Prime. We probably won’t even see him in a true big-ticket main event, unless the Saudis want to throw money at some random Murtazaliev fight that will generate less buzz than the ninth-consecutive Adrien Broner comeback bout.
That’s not a knock on him or his ability. That’s just reality. Guys like Murtazaliev don’t sell, even if they have an established record of eye-catching success. Media and fans may marvel at his toughness and the way he dealt with Tim Tszyu, but nobody’s buying into the Murtazaliev business.
More than likely, the Tszyu win will get him lined up for a biggish fight, against someone a promoter believes can beat him, take his title, and piggyback off his reputation. If he proves to be too tough for giving the piggyback ride, he’ll most likely be avoided altogether.
Sorry. That’s just the business of boxing at work.
Can The Charlos Come Back?
Hi Paul.
From what I’ve read, Jermall Charlo is making his return on the Tank Davis card in December. I’ve also read some things about Jermell being back in the gym and aiming for a comeback soon. A lot has happened to cast doubt on both brothers over the last few years and both are at the lowest points of their careers right now. Can they make a full or at least partial comeback anymore or will they just be fighting for paychecks until someone comes along to retire them or until they get in trouble and ruin themselves?
– Dennis
Hey Dennis.
I don’t think there’s any “coming back” for either of the Charlos. They’ve both been absolute messes and I don’t see them unscrambling their psyches to 1) Get technically sharp again and/or 2) Restore their drive to succeed. If they fight on, it’ll be for paychecks and we all know that there has to be more to a fighter than competing to pay the light bill. At least Jermell got his Canelo payoff, though. I’ll be rooting for both because, well, the more the merrier in the upper tier of the sport. But I think they’re done.
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