Rusty Iron Mike fails to impress in celebrity snooze fest, but was the poorly man’s punch out actually healthy for the sport?

This Friday saw Iron Mike Tyson made his professional return to the ring for the first time in 19 years,  and according to fan opinion, it showed. Despite having a reported 60 million households watching, the general opinion across social media was one of immense disappointment. Tyson’s seventh professional loss saw him land only 19 of his total 97 punches thrown, being outstruck by Paul in every round. 

Paul and Tyson face off (Credit : Vox)

However, many combat sports fans, like myself, were left wondering just what this meant for our sport? I first spoke to Coventry Uniersity boxing society member Prince Mafuta, where he told me “I think it does somewhat create a mockery of the sport” further adding “You don’t see charity football games being more watched than the Premier League or Champions League, but in boxing it’s all about influencer boxing more than actual boxers” finally saying “It also doesn’t show real boxing, the skill level in that fight is super low compared to amature fights so It’s a bad advert in my opinion”

However, Durham University Boxing Coach Pasha Garanin seemed to think that the influx of eyes on the sport was helpful, telling me “ Any form of publicity, good or bad, is known to grow popularity and long-term success, whether sport or celebrity. This case is no different; it will popularize the sport of boxing, producing all kinds of fans across the globe” and further described the incredible effect it has had on younger people's interest in the sport, going on to say “ It is no doubt that more young people are getting involved in the sport than ever before.”

But what about the sanctity of boxing, was this event making a mockery of the sport that we had grown to love by sullying the record of one of boxing's great legends? Garanin said “I initially felt horrible about the fight, thinking that the image of Mike Tyson was tarnished and disrespected as a result. However, understanding his position more personally the $20,000,000 offer he was given and his recent and rather disabling knee injury, keeping him off-balance for the entire duration of the fight – makes me deem his legacy preserved still, as he has sufficient excuse for his defeat.” and further went on to describe the event as “justifiable”

So do these types of fights have a place in the sport? According to the Durham coach they certainly do as he told me “These kinds of non-professional bouts reveal one thing: We want to see celebrities fight each other, regardless of their experience in the sport.” showing that this type of event has demand and therefore should be supplied. So now I pose the question to you, dear reader, do you think that these types of influencer bouts should continue? Or are we killing sacred sport just for some circus shows? And, if you would like to see them continue, who would be your personal suggestion for who should hop into the influencer ring next?