Ryan Garcia has stated unequivocally that he believes Jake Paul should defeat Mike Tyson later this year.
The American gave encouragement to one opponent before defeating Devin Haney handily on Saturday.
WBC super lightweight champion Haney was felled three times in the seventh, tenth, and eleventh rounds by Garcia, who handed him his first professional defeat.
Garcia’s weight of 3.2 pounds over the division limit made their fight a non-title fight. Although he wasn’t predicted to win, he did so spectacularly.
He was rather clear before the fight in New York that he would be rooting for Tyson in his eagerly awaited matchup with Paul.
According to The Express, Garcia received a visit from the renowned fighter who wished him luck in his dressing room.
“I love you, Mike,” said Garcia. “You look good. I’m going to your fight, I’ll be there. I’m with you in everything, remember that, always in spirit. I got you. Love you, Mike.”
Although Tyson hasn’t engaged in a professional fight in nearly 20 years, he is scheduled to fight Paul in July in a highly anticipated match.
The Adolescent With Issues In his quest to become a world champion, Paul has drawn a lot of attention to the boxing community and appears to be moving in a respectable path by taking on tough opponents.
Even still, it’s difficult to avoid criticism given that the decision to fight Tyson is obviously driven by financial gain.
Paul’s choice to face the veteran was harshly criticized by boxing superstar Oscar De La Hoya earlier this month.
“I actually like Jake Paul for what he’s doing and the attention he’s bringing to the sport and what he wants to do with his promotional company and help the fighters… I love that,” he explained.
“But he also talks about being a world champion and taking it seriously. Well, this is not serious – fighting Mike Tyson.”
