Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson made a sensational return to the ring last month when he fought Jake Paul in Texas.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion went toe-to-toe with the YouTube star in front of over 70,000 fans at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, in what was ‘Iron’ Mike’s first ring appearance as a professional in almost 20 years.
The officially sanctioned eight round heavyweight contest was initially due to take place in July of this year, but was postponed after an illness to Tyson. The controversial match-up was then rescheduled to November, to the dismay of some boxing fans around the globe.
It was clear to see from the get go that the once formidable heavyweight icon was a shadow of his former self, as he struggled throughout and ended the bout physically exhausted.
Another fighter who has cemented himself as a legend of the sport is Manny Pacquiao, who remains the only ever eight-division world champion in a career that lasted 26 years.
Speaking to Seconds Out, ‘Pac-Man’ believes that despite the defeat to Paul, the legacy of ‘Iron Mike’ remains intact.
“It’s good for Mike Tyson surviving eight rounds. He’s 58 years old so we have to understand that.
His legacy in boxing, we will never forget that. Mike Tyson is Mike Tyson!”
Pacquiao also touched on the influence ‘Iron Mike’ had on his own career.
“One of my favourite fighters! The reason I became a fighter was because of Mike Tyson.”
