The boxer-turned-politician has a clear favorite for the November 15 fight.

The fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has generated all kinds of reactions inside and outside the boxing world. Some believe “Iron Mike” is too old to return to the rings. Others believe the former champion will have an easy night against the influencer-turned-boxer. Among the latter is Manny Pacquiao.

The so-called “PacMan” was among the great boxing idols of the 2000s and 2010s. He is the only champion in eight different divisions, and thanks to this, he is considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in history.

Pacquiao formally retired from the ring in 2021 but recently announced that he will put on the gloves again to face Japan’s Chihiro Suzuki in an exhibition fight on June 28. Like Tyson, the former Filipino champion has not been cured of the boxing bug.

Given the similarities, it was inevitable that the press would want to know Pacquiao’s opinion on Tyson’s return to boxing and PacMan did not hesitate to support the former heavyweight champion.

Pacquiao has no doubts who will win

In an impromptu interview with “Fight Hub,” the reporter asked Pacquiao what he thought of the Tyson-Paul fight. At first, Manny seemed surprised, asking if they were fighting, and the reporter confirmed the news.

Immediately, the journalist asks him if he thought Paul could beat Mike Tyson. Pacquiao paused briefly before replying with just an “I don’t think so,” then laughing and continuing on his way.

Comments on the video speculate that Pacquiao doesn’t even know who Jake Paul is, and that’s why he hesitates to respond. Some considered that Manny laughed because of the inconceivable thing that the YouTuber would defeat the one who was once considered “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”

The fight between Tyson and Paul

Tyson’s return bout was scheduled for June 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight generated great expectation among fans not only to see the former champion return but also to see Paul facing a challenge apparently far beyond his ability.

After several months of a war of declarations between the contenders and the opinions of experts from almost all fields, the fight was postponed. Tyson, 57, suffered a flare-up of a stomach ulcer during a flight, and his doctor recommended he slow down his training pace.

Far from being canceled, the fight was rescheduled for November 15 at the same venue. While Tyson recovers, Paul will face Mike Perry, a Bare Knuckle FC fighter who previously gave good performances in the UFC.