Mike Tyson explains how boxing has changed using Terence Crawford as example

02/05/2024 17:14

Mike Tyson believes boxers are struggling to fully monetise their success in the ring.

Heavyweight legend Tyson has cemented his name as one of the greatest fighters of all time, and amassed a huge estimated fortune of around $430 million [£343 million] from his 20-year career spanning 1985 until 2005.

Iron Mike has taken the opportunity on the changing world of boxing, having fought in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr in 2020 and has also announced he will face Jake Paul on July 20 in a lucrative bout.

Tyson was a brilliant self-promoter, but has insisted fighters like Terence Crawford are struggling to monetise their supreme talent and sell out big events.

He told tennis star Nick Kyrgios: “You know, this is a funny question because of technology, more people are able to see fighters now than they did when I was fighting.

“When you see these fighters, we made a lot of money when we were fighting for our time. I’m talking about the little guys too; Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearn.

“These small guys now they're not making money like these. These guys are making $15million in the 80s. That’s like, well I don't know, that’s like $45 million now.

“Look, Terence Crawford in the box, he's fighting Errol Spence, he's the best fighter in the world but he can't draw 5,000 people.

“You have to be entertaining. You have to be exciting. They could beat anybody in the world, but they can't draw 5,000 tickets.

“You know, that’s because they’re not exciting. The way they make their money, because their opponents are very, like famous.

“But there’s people, I’m sure they're a talented guy that could beat anybody, but they look like s***. Like watching grass grow, you know.”

Crawford is currently considered the pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport, but has not yet attracted the stardom of some current heavyweights.

As reported by Tapology, ‘Bud’ has earned just a fraction of Tyson’s total in his career so far, pocketing $21.8 million [£18.6 million] prior to his win over Errol Spence.

But it has been reported that Crawford pocketed $25 million to face Spence, and could be targeting more big name fights including a huge tilt with Canelo Alvarez.

Tyson earned regular huge purses at the time, including $30 million for his two famous clashes with Evander Holyfield in 1996 and 1997.

His highest purse came against Lennox Lewis in 2002, where he earned a mammoth $35 million for their unified title clash.

Things are not the same in boxing with the rise of YouTube boxing a stark contrast to the traditional ranks.

Fighters like Paul, Tyson’s upcoming opponent this summer, are able to use their following on social media to command huge purses and mega events.