World Boxing (WB) President Boris van der Vorst has expressed concerns about the safety of participants in influencer boxing events, such as the high-profile bout between YouTube star Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. While acknowledging the appeal of such events to new audiences, Van Der Vorst emphasized the need for stricter safety measures to protect fighters.
Van Der Vorst highlighted the risks associated with influencer boxing matches, particularly when proper precautions are not taken. “Such fights are nice for newer audiences, but the safety of the boxers is a big question,” he told The Indian Express. He pointed to his own experience organizing a smaller influencer boxing event in the Netherlands, where thicker gloves and headgear were used to ensure safety.
The comments come in the wake of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, which took place in November 2024 after being postponed due to Tyson’s health issues. The 58-year-old boxing legend had suffered an ulcer ailment, raising further questions about the safety protocols in such events.
