Al Bernstein, a 73-year-old broadcaster and Hall of Fame inductee for his work in boxing, expressed his disapproval of celebrity boxing matchups during an interview on OutKick’s “The Ricky Cobb Show.” He believes these matches add nothing to the sport of boxing and are merely one-off events that do not attract new fans or drive existing fans away. Despite his reservations, Bernstein acknowledges that the popularity of celebrity boxing matches, including crossover fights between MMA and boxing, shows that there is a market for them, and they are likely to continue happening as long as there is demand.
While discussing the upcoming Mike Tyson-Jake Paul bout, Bernstein expressed concern for Tyson, who is in his high 50s, participating in the fight. He worries about Tyson’s well-being given his age and lackluster performances in his last two legitimate boxing matches against Danny Williams and Kevin McBride. Bernstein believes it is unlikely that Tyson will be as effective in this match as he was in his prime, but he hopes that everyone involved will come out of it safely. He also shared his opinion of Paul, stating that if Paul were a professional boxer facing only professional opponents, he would be considered a cruiserweight with a winning record but nothing special.
Mike Tyson, with a professional record of 50-6 and 44 knockouts, will face Jake Paul, who has a 9-1 record with six wins by knockout, in a match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15. Despite the polarizing nature of celebrity boxing matches, the event is expected to generate significant interest and will be streamed globally by Netflix. Bernstein’s comments reflect the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of celebrity boxing matches on the sport of boxing, with some arguing that they tarnish the reputation of the sport while others see them as a profitable and entertaining form of entertainment.
While Bernstein may not be a fan of celebrity boxing matchups, he acknowledges that they cater to a specific audience that enjoys watching unconventional matchups and personalities from different fields of entertainment or sports compete in the ring. The marketability of these events plays a significant role in their continuing popularity, as promoters and platforms capitalize on the interest generated by the involvement of well-known figures like Tyson and Paul. Despite his reservations, Bernstein recognizes the appeal of these matchups to certain segments of the viewing public and acknowledges that they are here to stay in the current sports and entertainment landscape.
The upcoming bout between Tyson and Paul has sparked speculation and anticipation among fans and critics alike, with many curious to see how the fight will unfold and whether it will garner the attention and viewership that previous celebrity boxing matches have enjoyed. While Bernstein may have reservations about the potential outcome of the fight, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants involved. As interest in celebrity boxing matches continues to grow, it remains to be seen how these events will shape the future of the sport and its relationship with mainstream entertainment, with proponents and critics alike voicing their opinions on the impact of these matchups on the boxing industry.
