Jake Paul has been blasted by retired boxer Tony Bellew for wearing “full on punchers gloves” in his win over 58-year-old ring legend Mike Tyson.
The social media-star-turned-boxer took on Tyson in Texas this weekend, telling fans beforehand he was going to knock out the former Unified heavyweight champion and Undisputed heavyweight champion.
But the YouTuber won via decision after the fight, which was largely one-sided, went the distance. Tyson only landed 18 punches in total during the clash.
Paul landed 78 blows on Tyson, and former WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew believes that Paul’s gloves gave him a huge advantage.
The Mirror reports that, taking to Twitter, he said: “The gloves Mike has on are looking heavily padded while Jake has on grants which are full on punchers gloves. There is a huge difference in them gloves and I’m only watching from a bed.”
And Bellew tore into the fight for it taking place in the first place. He added: “We are all to blame for this man! We are all talking and watching!
“We have to stop this fool [Paul]! Don’t tune into him until he fights someone who is fit healthy and not a grandfather! Any proper boxing people helping Paul need to look at themselves! This is just sad.”
And while Bellew was left furious with Paul, he did reserve him some praise. The 27-year-old claimed after the fight that he eased off to ensure he did not hurt his opponent.
And Bellew believes that was the right thing to do particularly given Tyson’s age. Bellew said: “I don’t like this stupid idiot kid but I will say this… he stopped beating on Mike there and showed him some respect and dignity by letting him survive.
“He didn’t go for the KO there, he stepped off him and let him be.” In the aftermath of the fight, both Tyson and Paul have been hit with suspensions.
As the fight was sanctioned as a professional event, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the body overseeing the fight, has demanded that both competitors oversee a period of rest.
Regulations state each fighter will be told to rest for three days for every round fought which would mean a total of 24 days of rest for both Tyson and Paul.
But both boxers have already shared their plans for their next bouts. Paul is eyeing a showdown with Canelo Álvarez, while Tyson has called out his brother Logan for a fight.
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