Mike Tyson made a sensational return to boxing in November when he challenged Jake Paul over eight rounds.
The 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion re-entered the sport having not fought as a professional in over 19 years. Tyson’s return sent shockwaves through the world of boxing, prompting mixed reactions from fans and pundits.
As many predicted, the fight itself became difficult to watch, with the heavyweight icon struggling to keep up with the pace of a man over 30 years his junior. The YouTube sensation turned professional boxer defeated ‘Iron’ Mike, with all three judges giving ‘The Problem Child’ the nod.
It was feared by some that the bout would be ‘rigged’ to ensure neither man sustained any serious lasting damage, with a number of theories coming to light in the weeks following the showdown in Texas.
Boxing icon Roy Jones Jr, who fought Tyson in an exhibition almost five years ago, and he was asked by Fighthype to give his verdict on whether he fought the fight itself was scripted.
“It’s hard for me to say and hard for me to tell. I do know in actuality I didn’t like how Mike’s legs looked, I don’t think Mike was capable of doing much more than he did that night.
“When he fought me four years ago he was at me for eight rounds, but a lot of things can happen in a four-year span, it can take a severe toll on you. Either he had a leg injury and didn’t want to cancel the fight again, or maybe his legs just weren’t there that night.”
Jones has expressed his desire to get in the ring with the YouTuber, claiming he could give Paul a tougher night than Tyson.
“Jake’s a big kid – he’s a power puncher – but I just feel that my legs at 55 are much better than Mike’s legs at 58. I used to use my legs when I fought; Mike never really used his legs when he fought. My legs are in better shape, and I could get to Jake a bit easier than Mike did.”
Paul is currently weighing up his options for his next fight, with an announcement expected shortly.
