Joe Rogan has defended Jake Paul following the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s win over fighting legend Mike Tyson but admitted he was concerned about the latter returning to the ring
Joe Rogan has paid tribute to Jake Paul for his ‘genius’ boxing career and admitted he was worried for Mike Tyson heading into the pair’s fight.
Former heavyweight champion Tyson returned to the ring two decades on from his last professional bout to face the Problem Child earlier this month. Paul won a decision victory over the figure 30 years his senior.
The YouTube-star-turned-boxer has received criticism for the manner of his victory. Tyson scarcely threw a punch after the first round and Paul later suggested he took his foot off the gas against the veteran rather than searching for a late knockout.
Nevertheless, it was a clash that broke records in front of 70,000 fans and earned both Paul and Tyson a healthy sum. The eight-round bout would earn the former $40million it was claimed.
MMA commentator and podcast giant Rogan, cannot help but respect Paul’s endeavour. The 57-year-old even praised Paul’s boxing ability.
“I don’t have anything against Jake Paul,” Rogan said on his podcast. “I like Jake Paul. I think what he’s doing is genius. I think what he’s doing is, like – I mean, he’s making insane amounts of money, he’s having a great time, he’s a legit boxer.
“He’s absolutely a legit boxer. If you do [hate him], you’re an idiot. But the reality is, Mike is 58 years old, and I was worried. I love that guy, and he was a hero of mine when I was a kid.”
In advance of the fight, Rogan has rooted for Tyson. He hoped that Iron Mike was able to find some of his former glory.
He wrote on Twitter ahead of the fight: “I’m getting ready to watch this Tyson vs Jake Paul fight like I’m watching someone cast a spell that I hope actually works. And I don’t really believe in magic. But I want to believe.”
However, Rogan soon replied to his own post following Paul’s victory. “Magic isn’t real,” he simply said.
Paul could next face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The Mexican claims to have been approached with the 27-year-old eyeing his next opponent for a fight between March and May next year.
Chavez Jr has previously lost to mixed martial arts legend Anderson Silva in the boxing ring, an opponent Paul scored a decision victory over in October 2022.
