PFL’s Francis Ngannou had a tough time on the night of his good friend Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul. it’s just not about the age disparity for the French-Cameroonian. As a matter of fact, ‘The Predator’ was one of the few people who put that Tyson could knock the winds of Paul even now.
Francis Ngannou even told Jake Paul as much on September’s episode of ‘BS w/ Jake Paul’ Podcast. 58-year-old Mike Tyson managed to avoid taking any serious shots at all. But “Iron Mike” lost a unanimous decision to Paul, which Ngannou did not like to witness.
It just hurt me to see Mike there in that situation, …Like, knowing Mike, what he can do and see him there with Jake Paul, and Jake Paul like, hey man, like, that sight just hurt me. Although, you have to give it to Mike, man.
Francis Ngannou to TMZSports (@TMZSports)
‘Predator’ has initially quipped that he’d smack the wack out of ‘Problem Child’ for such a matchup. This, in turn, had instigated talks of a superfight. Ngannou promptly shut it down due to their own disparity. He said Jake Paul would also need his brother in the SmartCage for this handicap matchup.
Though it hurt to see this version of Tyson, he gave credit where it’s due. Despite their rift, it’s very much in line with UFC CEO Dana White saying as much. White told reporters post-fight at UFC 309 that Tyson was right and Paul indeed did not knock the winds of him in any state.
Francis Ngannou credits 58-year-old Mike Tyson for his matchup
Nothing was highlighting the 31-year disparity more than the heavyweight icon Mike Tyson working on half tank. He opened up in his usual blitz against Jake Paul. But third-round onward, he operated on half the juice despite the footwork and head movement. Not every return has the spark. Take 59-year-old former WBC Heavyweight champ Oliver McCall (60-14-2) clubbing his way to a win. This just wasn’t it.
Francis Ngannou not looking for a PFL fight with Jake Paul (Source: boxemag.com/X)Tyson was right up there and stood toe-to-toe with Paul at the start. But he eventually slowed down majorly. Paul later revealed that he took it easy on the legend, carrying him through the frames and pockets to avoid hurting him. As odd it was, Francis Ngannou iterates there was a certain curiosity to see Tyson return and he kept up.
This is 58-year-old Mike Tyson that’s been doing this sport since 12 years old, I believe, and to still be able to stand up on his own, at this age, I think it’s impressive. Stand up against a young 27-year-old guy, even though I would say he wouldn’t be at that level, but wasn’t that much of a threat for Mike. You have to give it up to him.
Francis Ngannou further said
Other than going the distance with Paul, he also credited Paul for creating the buzz. A fight between two PFL newbies is on the mill, but he just doesn’t need to. He made $40 million last year — and will bank another eight-figure from PFL for the second fight on his contract.
Ngannou had Tyson in his corner against former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. After the Saudi GEA Riyadh Season opener, Ngannou is fresh off his MMA return (read fight highlights) at the PFL “Battle of the Giants” pay-per-view. But other than a superfight bracket, he is not planning to fight Paul any soon.
