Boxing legend Bernard Hopkins has given his nod of approval to the upcoming Mike Tyson and Jake Paul bout, despite having previously criticized it, predicting that fans are in for a treat.

The two big names are scheduled to face off on November 15 at the famed AT&T Stadium in Texas, sparking considerable excitement for an evening that guarantees to deliver a fascinating blend of combat. While the buzz for the headline fight grows, some insiders from the boxing world have voiced their dissatisfaction with the event moving forward, particularly in light of Tyson pulling out of the previous match in July following an ulcer flare-up during a flight.

Earlier this year, during a session with Fight Hub TV, the iconic Hopkins scorned the matchup as “degrading” stating, “I don’t like it. I look at Mike different in the way of my era, like people looked at Ali”. His reverence for historical greats was palpable as he continued, “And I looked at Ali different too, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Robinson.

“I think it’s become more of a sideshow, with some sweat, maybe some blood if we lucky. I won’t watch it. I could watch two turtles race and be more excited … It’s because of how I look at Mike Tyson. I shared, not only the ring with Mike Tyson a few times, but the era. Right? A little tip of the era. I just think it degrades him.”

With the highly anticipated face-off one week away, it appears the 59 year old has had a change of heart about the matchup, now eagerly anticipating the thrilling encounter. “I think it’s a great way of showing the world that entertainment”, he declared.

“What I’ve done and what I’m promoting right now [through] Golden Boy and my partner Oscar De La Hoya is entertainment. This is entertainment but it’s also boxing on the highest, dangerous level.

“You can’t copy that in any way or pretending. You don’t pretend in this sport. You play basketball, you play football, you play hockey, you play soccer, you play golf, but you don’t play boxing. Boxing is a sport you don’t play”.

Mike Tyson speaks ahead of his fight with Jake Paul

Mike Tyson is preparing for his return to the ring ( 

Image:

Getty Images for Netflix)

Sharing thoughts on the forthcoming heavyweight clash in Texas, Hopkins remarked: “I think either of them can beat each other if they have the right strategy and go in with the right intent to actually beat each other up and make it what people believe it is.

“But I don’t think they’re gonna go all the way out. I think it’s gonna be sweat, maybe some blood, but I don’t think that it’s gonna be something we’re used to seeing if you’re saying it’s boxing. But if it’s entertainment, you’re gonna get what you supposed to get”.

‘The Problem Child’ is heading into the clash riding high from a victory over ex-UFC combatant Mike Perry last July. Meanwhile, Tyson, the seasoned boxing pro, hasn’t stepped into a professional bout since his 2005 loss to former Irish boxer Kevin McBride.

Although ‘Iron Mike’ retired that evening, he made a comeback for an exhibition match with another boxing great, Roy Jones Jr. , four years back. In a chat with MMANYTT, Jones Jr. laid out his thoughts on the upcoming bout: “I believe in Mike, likely via decision. But if he wants to finish it, he can. Yet, if he’s just looking to enjoy the fight, he might take it slow and have some fun”.