“It’s awesome!”: Bars and boxing fans enjoy the Tyson vs. Paul spectacle

Generations of boxing fans packed bars in Boston to watch the former heavyweight champion take on YouTube sensation Jake Paul in the ring.

The Great American Beer Hall in Medford was just one bar hosting a viewing party for the Netflix fight in Dallas.

“It’s great,” said Brian Zarthar, co-owner of the bar. “This has been the #1 event where people have been calling to actually come in.”

Zarthar told Boston 25 on Friday evening that they had given out 162 tickets to see the fight, and that they expect 400 to 500 customers at their doors.

He expects a 30% sales spike due to the battle.

Generations of boxing fans got to their seats early on Friday before the event.

“I grew up watching Tyson,” said Jake Luongo of Stoneham.

Another customer, Sean Sullivan, added, “We’re here for a Tyson party.”

Sullivan has his own boxing gym and promotes fights throughout New England.

He supported Tyson Friday, but admitted Paul raised the bar for the industry.

“I really hope (Paul) gets destroyed tonight,” Sullivan added. “But it is good for the sport.”

The Great American Beer Hall opened in August and hopes it will be the first of many high-end sporting events that can draw huge crowds.

Zarthar finished: “There are so many demographics that love boxing and the sport in general. They come into a bar or our bar and just watch this great event.

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