George Foreman believes the exhibition between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. is a “beautiful thing” even if there is danger in the pair stepping back into the ring.
Tyson has confirmed he will make a comeback Sept. 12 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., taking on four-weight world champion Jones in a pay-per-view contest.
The 54-year-old Tyson, who last fought in 2005, has teased the possibility of a return in recent months, posting videos on social media as he worked out in the gym.
Foreman understands better than most why Tyson and Jones have signed up for the showdown. At age 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion when he famously stopped Michael Moorer.
“There’s a time when you’ve got to worry about your health, but it’s a beautiful thing that they would even come out [and fight],” Foreman told TMZ Sports. “Perhaps they can name a charity to be the recipient of the funds. I think it’s good to come out, but it’s got to be a fun thing.”
Foreman believes it would have been impossible to change Tyson’s mind once it was made up in spite of the risks.
“Boxing is nothing to play with. I would tell them that it’s really dangerous,” he said. “But when you make up your mind to do something like that, you can’t tell them not to do it. They’re not going to hear that.
“Even me, a big fool like me, back in the day, I only saw what I wanted to see.”