Henderson has voiced his disapproval of the upcoming bout
Benson Henderson has voiced his disapproval of the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, set for November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The former UFC lightweight champion believes the matchup is more about generating money than actual competition.
Henderson, who recently participated in a Misfits Boxing event, where he defeated Chris Avila before losing to Idris Virgo, appreciates the entertainment value of influencer boxing and crossover bouts.
However, when it comes to the 27-year-old Paul facing a boxing legend like Tyson, who hasn't fought professionally since 2005, Henderson feels it lacks sporting merit.
"I'm not a fan," Henderson told talkSPORT MMA.
"I'm not a fan of a 58-year-old man taking on a 27-year-old man.
"Almost in no sport at all would a 58-year-old man stand any chance against a 27-year-old man in one-on-one combat sport.
"It's gonna be really hard unless the 27-year-old is pretty low level and the 58-year-old is still high-level, actively competing and actively doing stuff.
"If you haven't fought in 20 years and you're 58, it's gonna be tougher."
A skeptical Henderson
While Paul has framed the fight as a significant challenge, emphasizing Tyson's experience and size advantage, Henderson remains skeptical, believing the fight is primarily driven by financial motives. The 40-year-old has called on Paul to prove otherwise by agreeing to fight Tyson for free.
"It is a big moneymaker," Henderson added.
"I think there's literally no other reason to do that fight other than to make money.
"If you say, 'There is another reason do that fight'. Okay, do it for free.
"You're a YouTube star? Sure, no problem. Go do it for free. Put it on YouTube for free and still have that fight. Then tell me that it's about more than the money.
"No! You are lying your butt off. It's all about the money, which is cool. All respect to people doing whatever it is they wanna do to make their money.
"No disrespect for that. People have got to pay their bills. People have got to make money. So, if that's what you wanna do to make money, no problem.
"I'm just not the biggest fan of it. I don't have a whole lot of respect for it."
