ROCKY star Sylvester Stallone has issued a grovelling apology to Jake Paul after claiming his life was “spared” by Mike Tyson.

But Stallone first accused Tyson of producing “one of the great Oscar winning performances of all time” in his unanimous defeat to Paul.

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And fans both inside the Dallas Cowboy’s stadium and at home were left bitterly disappointed with the display from both corners.

Many accused the Netflix eight-round fight of being “fixed” as both Iron Mike and Paul barely threw any punches between them.

Paul admitted to carrying the 58-year-old former world heavyweight champion, stating that he “wanted to give the fans a show” and that he “didn’t want to hurt somebody that didn’t need to be hurt.”

But Stallone was not convinced and suggested Tyson “spared” Paul in a now-deleted Instagram post.

The 78-year-old actor’s caption read: “Just to set my personal record straight.

“Business is business. SOMETIMES you have to do hard things and sacrifice for the sake of helping your FAMILY….

“I have known this unbelievable athlete since he’s 19 years old and what we saw was him giving one of the great Oscar winning performances of all time!

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“Please, Jake, be grateful, HE SPARED YOUR LIFE!”

Stallone’s post prompted an angry response from Paul in the comments.

The 27-year-old brutally replied: “Always looked up to you as kid, but now you are a spreader of lies against my name.

“Sad to see you fall. Maybe it’s all the plastic surgery.”

But Stallone has since rolled back on his harsh words and apologised to Paul five days later.

Stallone edited the post, writing: “Just to set my personal record straight … upon second viewing the best man won that night. My apologies. Keep punching.”

He has since deleted the post altogether.

Tyson’s final bow defeat to Paul was one of the most-watched sporting events EVER as it peaked at 65 million streams.

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JAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUT

Paul was forced to respond to a series of claims questioning the legitimacy of the fight.

His promotional company’s statement read: “This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded scepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete.

“And frankly, the claim that his bout must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come his way.

“This event, which broke attendance and viewership milestones for a professional sporting event, is yet another example of his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.”

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Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-round

MIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.

SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.

And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.

Round One

Paul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.

Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.

Verdict: 10-9 Tyson

Round Two

Paul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.

Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.

Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.

Verdict: 10-9 Tyson

Round Three

The legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.

Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.

Tragic after three.

Verdict: 10-9 Paul

Round Four

This is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.

This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.

Verdict 10-9 Paul

Round Five

Paul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.

Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.

Verdict 10-9 Paul

Round Six

Thank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.

Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.

Verdict 10-9 Paul

Round Seven

Tyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.

The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.

Verdict 10-9 Paul

Round Eight

Go back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.

The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.

But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.

Verdict 10-9 Paul

SunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake Paul

Click to read the full round-by-round breakdown.