Mike Tyson has been accused of “selling his pride” to fight Jake Paul as the fallout from their farcical Texas fight continues. Last month, the pair went head-to-head in eight rounds at AT&T Stadium in what was considered a professional competition, with the fight broadcast on Netflix to more than 65 million viewers worldwide.

But not only did the event mark a renaissance for the 58-year-old, once widely dubbed “the baddest man on the planet”, but Tyson’s age was evident as he turned in a toothless display, landing just 21 punches and seemingly struggling to make the final bell.

He was reportedly still paid around £15.5 million for his efforts, equating to almost £1 million per minute, with YouTuber Paul claiming to have earned almost double that amount.

Since then, most of the criticism has been directed at the “Problem Child”, widely accused of re-electing a delicate opponent and tarnishing boxing’s credibility. But now Anthony Crolla has said it is Tyson, who has not fought at a professional level since being defeated by Irish journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005, who should accept the criticism.

“I think the whole thing was risky,” said the former WBA lightweight champion. “But unpopular opinion here: Jake Paul is Jake Paul. An amazing businessman, which he proved by putting on a show. Mike Tyson needs to take responsibility for this.”

Speaking on behalf of Crolla admitted that the money involved would tempt any retired boxer, including himself, to return to the ring. However, he also argued that financial motivation did not exempt the former heavyweight world champion from criticism.

“Everyone says different things about Jake Paul, but Tyson decided to take part in this for an unbelievable payday. It was an uncomfortable watch,” Crolla continued. “He must accept the criticism surrounding his decision.”

Crolla also admitted that he had difficulty accepting the notion that internet stars were becoming more influential in boxing. But while he understands the skepticism surrounding fighters like 27-year-old Paul, he also targeted Carl Froch and Andre Ward, who engaged in verbal arguments online with the American and even challenged him to fights.

“Because of Jake Paul, he has a lot of pros and ex-pros calling him out,” Crolla added. “When they do it, they just feed it. The pros really don’t like him, but people keep talking about him and that’s what he wants.

Crolla is now heavily involved in boxing as a trainer, with two of his latest protégés, Welsh boxing twins Ioan and Goran Croft, scoring victories on their professional debut in Ireland this month. However, at the age of 38, he insists he will not follow “Iron Mike” back to the professional stage, with only the prospect of a lucrative exhibition fight likely to make him consider a return to the ring.

“I don’t miss boxing because I’m still around it, whether it’s with the fighters or dealing with the pundits, I’m around it more than ever,” he said. “Listen, I miss leaving the crowded area and people singing my name, but no, there will never be a chance to come back. If I was offered a lot of money to fight a YouTuber, I’d probably consider it… but professionally, I’m not interested.”

Tyson Fury is bound by a trilogy contract with Oleksandr Usyk if he triumphs in the upcoming rematch.

The long-awaited sequel is scheduled for Saturday evening, with Usyk looking to extend his 2-0 lead over Fury and repeat his split decision victory in Riyad last May – the only blemish on Fury’s professional record.

Usyk, looking at a possible return to cruiserweight, may decide that his plans will be thwarted by defeat and he will be forced to extend his tenure in the heavyweight division until the third fight with Fury. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, confirmed contractual obligations, stating to Boxing News: “Oh, it’s because he’s contracted. And whatever happens, that’s what happens if Tyson wins… as long as no one retires.”

This news seriously undermines the hopes of Anthony Joshua, who recently pulled out of his rematch with Daniel Dubois on February 22, citing health problems and his desire to face Fury after this weekend’s fight. Despite a knockout defeat to Dubois last September, ‘AJ’ harbors aspirations for an all-British fight with Fury.

Fury, known as the “Gypsy King”, has made it clear that he is more interested in a clash with Usyk than Joshua, especially if he triumphs next Saturday. Tyson revealed: “When I win on Saturday night, I think there will definitely be a trilogy next year,” during an interview with Al Arabiya.

“Joshua is in tatters right now. He needs to recover from his last fight. But a fight with Usyk – one on Saturday and one after – would be fantastic for me.”

With the focus firmly on Usyk, Fury candidly shared his strategy for the anticipated rematch, discussing the Undisputed boxing game, asserting: “I had to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there, and that’s the kind of fight it had to be. It had to be a 50/50 gunslinger with the biggest punch ever, otherwise he would have punched me in the chin in round nine. Going to the rematch with Usyk. it will be the same. I’m going to roll the dice and either you or me… I’ll best step forward and jump away. I was never afraid of getting knocked out. I always threw every time he’s on the line.”

Fury also exposed his all-or-nothing approach, saying: “There is no secret! I’m going there to knock you out because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do. I don’t think I’ll get a boxing decision, so I’ll have to take it into the judges’ hands like I did back then in America and I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I’ve got to get him out of there and see the victory.”

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC, WBA “super”, WBO and IBO heavyweight crowns against Tyson Fury in a long-awaited rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyad on Saturday.

Usyk vs Fury 2 is available on pay-per-view in the UK on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and DAZN, and on DAZN pay-per-view in the US.

This is a repeat of May’s meeting between two of the world’s top heavyweights, and many were skeptical of Usyk (22-0, 14 KO) as the smaller fighter in the original fight.

The Ukrainian implemented a fantastic game plan in Riyad, taking the best of Fury before devastating his fighter, defeating the ‘Gypsy King’ in the ninth round to win the title split decision become the undisputed champion.

After winning the same cruiserweight accolade, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion against Anthony Joshua in September 2021, earning well-deserved points in Tottenham to become the unified heavyweight king.

The split decision rematch victory came before Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois, and that victory led to undisputed greatness against Fury.

“The Cat” gave up his IBF crown to arrange a second fight with Fury, and the aforementioned Dubois became the IBF champion.

Fury (34-1-1, 24 KO) won the unified heavyweight title in 2015, dethroning the great Wladimir Klitschko, but his life spiraled and he embarked on a monumental comeback that took him back to the top, winning the WBC belt after stoppage of Deontay Wilder’s seventh-round rematch in February 2020.

The 36-year-old repeated the trick in the trilogy match, defending against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, who both had success on stoppages.

The Briton then had to embarrassingly leave the ring before delivering a very razor-sharp verdict on boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou before he faced Usyk last October.

Bohachuk fights Davis

The next 12-rounder on the card will see super welterweight contender Serhiy Bohachuk in action against Leeds’ Ishmael Davis, who replaces Israil Madrimov, who withdrew due to illness.

Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KO) lost a majority decision to Vergil Ortiz Jr in August for the WBC interim title, where he scored two knockdowns, while Davis (13-1, 6 KO) sent Josh Kelly into a frenzy in a losing effort. his own majority verdict in September, another fight he took up belatedly.

Itauma meets McKean

Moses Itauma (10-0, 8 KO) continues his rapid rise to the top and should have a chance to defeat Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KO) on the schedule, with McKean having not been seen since a last-round stoppage in his meeting with Filip Hrgovic in August last year.

Fisher argues with Allen

Johnny Fisher continues his education against the experienced and popular Dave Allen.

Fisher (12-0, 11 KO) scored an impressive first-round stoppage over Alen Babic in July, while Allen (23-6-2, 18 KO) has recorded two wins since suffering a retirement loss to Frazer last September Clark in the sixth round.

McGrail comes face to face with Edwards

Peter McGrail was scheduled to face Dennis McCann in an intriguing match, but McCann was pulled out after unfavorable pre-fight VADA test results.

Rhys Edwards (16-0, 4 KO) has been preparing to fight Lyon Woodstock and is entering the fray in no time.

(10-1, 6 KOs)

Undercard remaining

Andrii Novytskyi (13-0, 10 KO) should defend his WBC International title, defeating Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1, 4 KO) first.

In the delicate heavyweight division, Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KO) can achieve his fifth victory in the initial phase of the fight against undefeated Frenchman Dylan Colin (14-0, 4 KO).

In a breakthrough featherweight fight, I’m banking on Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KO) to defeat Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KO) and put victory on the scorecards.

Mohammed Alakel (1-0) should score points in the fight against Joshua Ocampo (8-33-5, 6 KO).