Piers Morgan pays tribute to Mike Tyson despite disappointing loss

It may not have been the spectacle that everyone wanted, but Mike Tyson stepped into the ring with a much younger opponent and went the distance.

In truth it is easier to argue that Jake Paul took it lightly on the much older Tyson, with the latter landing a measly 18 punches by the final bell of the eighth round.

The fight itself has been met by disappointment from fans, with the contest being the subject of brutal memes.

However, many have come out in support of Tyson despite his drab performance, giving him credit for just stepping between the ropes again.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan is among those who were willing to heap the praise on Iron Mike.

Morgan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, after the fight to express his great admiration and respect for Mike Tyson. 

In a post, he said: 'Prime Mike Tyson would have destroyed Jake Paul in 90 seconds.

'A 58-year-old Tyson went 8 rounds against a much fitter and very capable boxer half his age.

'Mock him all you like, but Mike's got the heart of a lion, b***s of steel and will always be an absolute legend.'

Paul responded to Morgan's post, questioning that Tyson was being mocked for his display in the ring.

‘Who mocked him? He’s a f***ing beast. All respect to the Baddest Ever. It was an honor to share the ring with him,’ Paul wrote.

Tyson's in-ring legacy is almost untouchable, even the most casual of fans will be aware of his greatness.

He won 50 of his 59 fights, including 44 by knockout and they came against some of boxing's all time greats.

Tyson became synonymous with his black trunks and black towel attire and his knockout power shocked the world so often.

But his fight with Paul was a far cry from that and while Morgan remained steadfast in his assessment that Tyson was an 'absolute legend' others have not been so positive given the outcome.

Basketball legend Magic Johnson said he could not finish watching: 'Just sad smn. I cut it off because I couldn't watch anymore.

It's sad to see Mike Tyson like this because I went to every Tyson fight.

'This fight tonight was not good for boxing.'

Long-time rival of Paul and influencer boxer KSI also took to X to criticise the fight, saying: 'What a sad watch. Whole thing was sad. Mike Tyson is twice the age of Jake Paul ffs.

'It was never EVER gonna be close. I can't believe that this elderly abuse was even sanction. Just a disgusting.'

Skip Bayless admitted he was surprised Tyson is 'still able to throw punches,' but conceded that Iron Mike 'looked pretty pathetic.'

It was a tough fight for Tyson but he will be remembered more for his stunning knockouts and biting of Evander Holyfield's ear than whatever happened in the ring against Jake Paul.