BOXING supremo Turki Alalshikh has jokingly suggested Mike Tyson’s ring return is RIGGED.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion will lace up his gloves on July 20 for a controversial clash with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Iron Mike, 57, will be a whopping 31 YEARS Paul’s senior when they throw down in their Texas tussle.
Fight fans around the world are worried for the safety of Tyson, given his performance in his Covid clash with Roy Jones Jr in November 2020.
Some have even sensationally claimed on social media – without any basis whatsoever – that the bout is “fixed”.
One wrote on X: “I’m predicting right now that Mike Tyson gets knocked out by Jake Paul in a fixed fight.”
And Saudi boxing kingpin Alalshikh has poked fun at those claims by urging Tyson not to follow the “script” for the July joust.
He wrote on X: “Please brother Mike, forget the script and beat this guy.”
Fight fans were quick to respond to Alalshikh’s light-hearted post, with one commenting: “Well said his Excellency.”
Another said: “Sadly, it’s scripted.”
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And another said: “This is a signal.”
One remarked: “Unfortunately there’s little chance of that happening.”
Another chimed in: “Now this is sus – he’s saying there’s a script now.
“It’’s all about finding who’s supposed to be the winner Turki’s fights he is financially backing.”
Tyson and Paul faced off with one another on Monday for the first time since their shock showdown was officially announced.
And the pair didn’t mince their words, with Tyson saying: “I really like Jake a lot.
Please brother Mike, forget the script and beat this guy.
Turki Alalshikh
“But once he’s in that ring, he has to fight like his life is depending on it. Because it will be.”
Former Disney star Paul said: “I’m a natural-born heavyweight.
“This is what I was born to do, to move up into this weight class.
“And I’m going to show Mike who has more power. Because he’s underestimating me.
“I think everyone else is underestimating me and I believe I hit harder.
Mike Tyson is BACK!
Yes, boxing’s youngest heavyweight champ of all time – just 20 when he achieved the feat – is preparing to lace them up again.
He faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on July 20 in Texas.
The controversial clash – set for the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Dallas – has been scrutinised over the 30-year age gap.
Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight for the ages comes around and nearly 20 years removed from his last professional contest.
He was last seen in the ring in November 2020 for an exhibition with fellow legend Roy Jones Jr, which ended a draw after eight rounds.
Paul is meanwhile 9-1 in the ring, losing only to Tommy Fury in 2023, and has won three times since.
His fight with Tyson will also be a landmark first on Netflix, with over 250MILLION subscribers able to watch the bout.
“I know it’s going to be tough.
“I know I’m going to have to fight through adversity. I know I might even go to the canvas.
“I’m scared, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not about the fear stopping me.
“It’s about going into it even though I am scared, and that’s what true bravery is.”
