Tyson Fury launched a passionate defence of YouTube boxers and said their critics are just 'jealous'.

The crossover of people like Jake and Logan Paul, KSI and others into the world of boxing has divided opinion.

Fury defended the rise of YouTube boxers

But WBC heavyweight champion Fury believes it is great for the sport as it brings in a whole new audience.

Speaking to IFL TV, Fury said: "A lot of people say all this YouTube stuff is crap and they don't want to see all these people in boxing, but I'm the heavyweight champion and the best fighter that has ever lived and I like to see these YouTubers fight.

"I like to see it because it brings millions more eyes to my sport where I'm the master at.

"General people, who would never watch boxing, watch it because of the YouTube guys, Love Island and TikTokers.

"The more eyes to boxing the better and it makes it better for the young fighters coming through.

Tyson Fury's younger brother Tommy has called out Jake Paul on numerous occasions

"If there's millions of people watching TikTokers and stuff then they might tune in again and watch some real boxing later on in life.

"It's all good and PR work for our sport. Anyone who doesn't like it is just jealous because they aren't making the money they are getting.

"That's what it's about - Jealousy. There's a lot of jealousy in this world, especially people hating on others trying to follow their dreams and don't have the guts to follow their own."

Fury also said he would also be keen on having an exhibition fight with Mike Tyson, should his proposed matchup with Dillian Whyte fall through.

Tyson is known as the 'Baddest Man on the Planet'

He added: "I like to see all these people, you've got Holyfield fighting Vitor Belfort in a minute. I'm looking forward to that. Holyfield is 60 years old and the other guy is 45. 

"Why should we kill these people's dreams because they are having a go and they are fit and giving themselves a go.

"I loved watching Mike (Tyson) come back and have a fight. I'd love to fight Mike Tyson in an exhibition.

"If the Dillian Whyte fight doesn't happen then I'd live to fight Mike. Tyson vs Tyson, past vs present.

"There's so much fun to have out there in this game."