In a heavyweight exhibition fight, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. meet Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The fight card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.
Tyson vs. Jones Jr.: Tale of the tape
Tyson (50-6) has wowed fans and talking heads on social media with clips of his workouts, showing off tremendous speed and agility for a fighter at age 54. He looks like the “Iron Mike” of old as he still looks to have amazing power, coupled with lightning speed. There are plenty of people who only dream of being in the kind of shape he is in. However, there are still plenty of questions since it’s been exactly 5,649 days – or just over 15 years – since Tyson has been in the ring for a pro fight.
The last time Jones Jr. (66-9) was in the ring for a professional fight was Feb. 8, 2018, when he beat Scott Sigmon in a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision. Jones’ quickness and technique are what led him to 47 knockouts in his 75 career professional fights.
However, there will be no knockouts in this exhibition as the California State Athletic Commission has reportedly placed pressure on the referee in this bout to limit any hard sparring, with neither fighter permitted to go for a knockout. With Tyson 54 years old and Jones 51, it’s uncertain if either would be capable of that anyway. It will also give the fans who shell out big bucks for the pay-per-view to get their money’s worth. So, that’s a good thing.
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Tyson was once one of the most feared fighters, and it was stunning when he was dropped by Buster Douglas in Tokyo, sending shockwaves through the boxing world. It was also stunning when he took a chomp out of the ear of Evander Holyfield. And who could forget that this is the same guy who has fought the likes of Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and James “Bonecrusher” Smith, as well as fighting Mitch “Blood” Green in the streets of New York.
The last time Tyson fought professionally was June 11, 2005, when his fight against Kevin McBride was stopped by the referee when Tyson did not come out for the seventh round.
Tyson vs. Jones Jr.: Odds, betting lines, prediction and pick
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2 a.m. ET.
Perhaps one of the better thing to happen in a strange and difficult 2020 is the fact Tyson and Jones Jr. are getting back in the ring, even if only for an exhibition. Boxing fans deserve this holiday gift.
While Tyson (-228) has looked quick on social media – something that wasn’t around during his heyday – we’ll see how he looks in a real fight. While Sure, JONES (+185) fought some tomato cans in the final days of his career, but he fought as recently as 2018. It isn’t long ago that he was in boxing shape and in that mental space. It’s been 15 years for Tyson, followed by reality shows, movies, tigers, etc. …
All of the hype is on Tyson, and for sentimental reasons. It would be nice to see that fighter dominate one more time, but the smart money, and the tremendous value, is backing JONES (+185) on the 2-way line.
If you want some action on this bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
See also from Boxing Junkie:
- Tyson: From wrestling demons to boxing Jones Jr.
- Tyson vs. Jones Jr.: How much money will they make?
- Other boxers who fought in their 50s
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