Jake Paul and Mike Tyson (Image: Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
NFL legend and former Pro-Bowler Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones has cast doubt on Mike Tyson’s high-profile comeback fight with Jake Paul, suggesting that the bout was potentially “rigged.”
The Cincinnati Bengals cornerback, who is a close friend of Tyson, expressed his desire to see the youngest ever heavyweight champion return for a “real fight.”
His comments will likely fuel ongoing speculation about the legitimacy of the Dallas match, which attracted tens of millions of viewers last month. Pacman criticised social media influencer turned boxer Paul for his lack of aggression in the ring.
Despite Paul’s vehement denials of any rigging or PR stunts, Pacman told the : “I truly think the fight was rigged because if you look at the first round, Mike hit him with a couple and it looked like he told him to slow down.
“Did I think his feet were all the way there? No, I didn’t. He was a little wobbly on the feet. I like Mike Tyson. I love Mike Tyson. I love to see a real fight with Mike Tyson.”
Mike Tyson has made a startling admission about his bout with Jake Paul (Image: Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
The retired NFL star, who hosts ‘The Pacman Jones Show’ on BetOnline, believes that Tyson still has the potential to unleash his inner “beast.”
Pacman, who watched the fight ringside, has since questioned the intensity of the bout: “Paul knocked everybody else out. He wasn’t as aggressive though with Mike. He looked a little timid to me. If you had asked me after that first round. ( I’d have thought) ‘ Oh s—, this is a difficult one.'”
Unbeknownst to Pacman, Tyson had revealed he had faced life-threatening medical issues months before the fight, even requiring a significant blood transfusion. Despite Tyson appearing sluggish, tired, and uneasy inside the ropes, Pacman supported the 58 year old’s decision to fight a man less than half his age.
“If he is medically cleared, let him go. He is a f—— warrior, bro.”
In a cheeky conclusion, Jones noted that he hasn’t discussed these issues with Tyson post-fight because “he has been out of the country balling.”
Pacman is now keen to step into the ring for a celebrity fight and has challenged sportscaster and former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith. The two have a long-standing feud following numerous on-field clashes.
“If you are asking me to go out and fight right now, three rounds. I would definitely do. That is a no-brainer. “Steve Smith I don’t like him. He is a d——-.
“He know what he did. I ain’t got to put all that out there.
“The first time I met him as a rookie, he was a d——-. ” Pacman has expressed his elation at the freedom to voice his opinions across all sports, thanks to his BetOnline deal and talk show. He stated: “Nothing is off limits.
“I keep using the phrase ‘politely raw’ – and that is what we are. I talk about facts.
“I’m very pleased with BetOnline, they do a great job of taking care of everything that I need as far as producing and helping me with the show. This is just the beginning.
“In the next year we will be one of the biggest shows – if not the biggest.”