Francis Ngannou expresses 'pain' at watching Mike Tyson take on Jake Paul in boxing

Mike Tyson in a training session with Francis Ngannou. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Francis Ngannou confessed to having felt 'deep sadness' when watching the fight between Mike Tyson e Jake Paul in boxing, at an event held last Friday (15). In an interview with 'TMZ Sports', the French-Cameroonian demonstrated his admiration for the legend of the sport and regretted the outcome of combat.

“It just hurt me to see Mike in that situation. Knowing Mike, what he can do, and seeing him there with Jake Paul, that image just hurt me,” Ngannou said.

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Despite the pain of seeing his idol in a fight that, for many, seemed uneven, the champion recognized Tyson's courage in facing an opponent 31 years younger.

“This is Mike Tyson, 58 years old, who has been playing this sport since he was 12, and is still able to stand up on his own at this age. I think it's impressive! Facing a 27-year-old, although I said he wouldn't be at that level, but he wasn't that big of a threat to Mike. You have to give him credit," he added.

The fight was marked by the superiority of Jake Paul in the final rounds. Tyson, who started well, was unable to keep up the pace and saw the YouTuber emerge victorious by unanimous decision of the judges after ten two-minute rounds.