'Do it for free' – Jake Paul told to prove Mike Tyson fight is about more than money by former UFC champion turned boxer
09/16/2024 10:33 AM
Benson Henderson does not like the idea of Jake Paul fighting Mike Tyson.
Like many, the former UFC lightweight champion believes their November 15 boxing bout at AT&T Stadium in Texas is about making money and nothing else.
On Saturday night, Henderson beat Nate Diaz's teammate, Chris Avila, in his boxing debut before falling to a decision defeat against Love Island star Idris Virgo in the final of a one-night tournament on the latest Misfits Boxing card.
'Smooth' enjoys influencer boxing and crossover fights – but he can't get behind a scrap between a young prospect and a boxing legend who hasn't fought professionally since 2005.
"I'm not a fan," Henderson told talkSPORT MMA ahead of his boxing debut.
"I'm not a fan of a 58-year-old man taking on a 27-year-old man.
"Almost in no sport at all would a 58-year-old man stand any chance against a 27-year-old man in one-on-one combat sport.
"It's gonna be really hard unless the 27-year-old is pretty low level and the 58-year-old is still high-level, actively competing and actively doing stuff.
"If you haven't fought in 20 years and you're 58, it's gonna be tougher."
Paul, who claims he wants to be a boxing world champion, has tried to talk up his fight with Tyson as a clash against a heavier, more experienced and respected opponent.
Henderson believes money is all that matters to both men. The 40-year-old has challenged Paul to prove him wrong by fighting 'Iron Mike' for free on the internet.
He added: "It is a big moneymaker. I think there's literally no other reason to do that fight other than to make money.
"If you say, 'There is another reason do that fight'. Okay, do it for free.
“You're a YouTube star? Sure, no problem. Go do it for free. Put it on YouTube for free and still have that fight. Then tell me that it's about more than the money.
"No! You are lying your butt off. It's all about the money, which is cool. All respect to people doing whatever is they wanna do to make their money.
"No disrespect for that. People have got to pay their bills. People have got to make money. So, if that's what you wanna do to make money, no problem.
"I'm just not the biggest fan of it. I don't have a whole lot of respect for it."
talkSPORT will bring you exclusive live commentary of the heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on Saturday, September 21. Download the talkSPORT app here.
