Tag: Mike Tyson comeback

ERROL SPENCE JR.
VS. DANNY GARCIA

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

When: Saturday, Dec. 5

Start time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

TV: Pay-per-view

Division: Welterweight (12 rounds)

At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC titles

Odds: Spence 3½-1 (BetMGM)

***

ERROL SPENCE JR. BIO

Record: 26-0, 21 KOs

Current titles: IBF and WBC welterweight

Other titles: None

Key victories: Kell Brook (KO 11), Mikey Garcia (UD), Shawn Porter (SD)

Key losses: None

Home country: United States (DeSoto, Texas)

Age: 30

Pro debut: 2012

Pro rounds: 120

Height: 5 feet, 9½ inches (177 cm)

Reach: 72 inches (183 cm)

Stance: Southpaw

Trainer: Derrick James

***

GARCIA BIO

Record: 36-2, 21 KOs

Current titles: None

Other titles: WBA and WBC junior welterweight (2012-15); WBC welterweight (2016-17)

Key victories: Erik Morales (UD, KO 4), Zab Judah (UD), Lucas Matthysse (UD), Lamont Peterson (MD)

Key losses: Keith Thurman (SD), Shawn Porter (UD)

Home country: United States (Philadelphia)

Age: 32

Pro debut: 2007

Pro rounds: 258

Height: 5 feet, 8 inches (173 cm)

Reach: 68½ inches (174 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Angel Garcia (father)

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

This is one the best-possible matchups in arguably the most-compelling division in boxing. Spence is a must-see rising star who will be taking part in his third straight fight against an elite opponent, which is unusual these days. Plus, Spence hasn’t fought since a horrific car accident in which he was thrown through the windshield of his Ferrari in October of last year. Everyone wants to know whether the crash will have had any lingering effects. Also, as we said, Garcia is no slouch. He’s a two-time titleholder with a deep resume who is at least near his peak at 32. Spence is a 3½-1 favorite (BetMGM) for a reason but this a good, compelling matchup on paper. That’s all we can ask for.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Has Spence fully recovered from his car accident in October of last year? Of course, we don’t know. And we may never know. He says he’s fine. His trainer says he sees no difference in him after the accident. We’ll see whether something reveals itself during the fight.

Was Spence wise to forgo a tune-up fight? No one would’ve blamed Spence if he took an easy fight to test his body after the accident. However, he wanted an opponent who would motivate him in training. He has that in Garcia. Kudos to him.

What makes Spence so good? Versatility. If he needs to box, he can box with the best of them (Mikey Garcia fight). If he needs to bang, he’s willing to dig deep (Shawn Porter fight). It’s difficult to beat a big, strong welterweight with unusual skills and durability.

Is Garcia a legitimate threat to Spence?

Absolutely. Spence is probably a better fighter — but not by that much. Garcia has a strong skill set, experience, elite power and a granite chin. He has two losses but both were close decisions against top-tier opponents, Thurman and Porter. You can’t count him out.

***

WHY SPENCE WILL WIN

Spence might have too many advantages over Garcia, assuming he has fully recovered from the car accident. He’s the bigger, stronger fighter, he’s quicker, he’s a better boxer and he can take a punch. That will be difficult for even a fighter of Garcia’s caliber to overcome. Garcia has an edge in experience and unwavering belief in himself — which can go a long way in any fight — but it probably won’t be enough this time.

WHY GARCIA WILL WIN

Never underestimate a wily veteran, especially one with Garcia’s punching power, confidence and chin. He was a dominating junior welterweight. And he held a welterweight title and essentially fought on even terms with two of the best 147 pounders, one of whom (Porter) almost beat Spence. Garcia arguably has a resume worthy of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and can still fight. In other words, don’t be shocked if he has his hand raised in the end.

PREDICTION

Spence by a unanimous decision.

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

• Sebastian Fundora vs. Jorge Cota, 12 rounds, junior middleweights
• Eduardo Ramirez vs. Miguel Flores, 12 rounds, WBA featherweight eliminator
• Josesito Lopez vs. Francisco Santana 10 rounds, welterweights
• Miguel Flores vs. Isaac Avelar, 10 rounds, junior lightweights

[lawrence-related id=15926,15730,15652]

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.
VS. DANNY GARCIA

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

When: Saturday, Dec. 5

Start time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

TV: Pay-per-view

Division: Welterweight (12 rounds)

At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC titles

Odds: Spence 3½-1 (BetMGM)

***

ERROL SPENCE JR. BIO

Record: 26-0, 21 KOs

Current titles: IBF and WBC welterweight

Other titles: None

Key victories: Kell Brook (KO 11), Mikey Garcia (UD), Shawn Porter (SD)

Key losses: None

Home country: United States (DeSoto, Texas)

Age: 30

Pro debut: 2012

Pro rounds: 120

Height: 5 feet, 9½ inches (177 cm)

Reach: 72 inches (183 cm)

Stance: Southpaw

Trainer: Derrick James

***

GARCIA BIO

Record: 36-2, 21 KOs

Current titles: None

Other titles: WBA and WBC junior welterweight (2012-15); WBC welterweight (2016-17)

Key victories: Erik Morales (UD, KO 4), Zab Judah (UD), Lucas Matthysse (UD), Lamont Peterson (MD)

Key losses: Keith Thurman (SD), Shawn Porter (UD)

Home country: United States (Philadelphia)

Age: 32

Pro debut: 2007

Pro rounds: 258

Height: 5 feet, 8 inches (173 cm)

Reach: 68½ inches (174 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Angel Garcia (father)

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

This is one the best-possible matchups in arguably the most-compelling division in boxing. Spence is a must-see rising star who will be taking part in his third straight fight against an elite opponent, which is unusual these days. Plus, Spence hasn’t fought since a horrific car accident in which he was thrown through the windshield of his Ferrari in October of last year. Everyone wants to know whether the crash will have had any lingering effects. Also, as we said, Garcia is no slouch. He’s a two-time titleholder with a deep resume who is at least near his peak at 32. Spence is a 3½-1 favorite (BetMGM) for a reason but this a good, compelling matchup on paper. That’s all we can ask for.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Has Spence fully recovered from his car accident in October of last year? Of course, we don’t know. And we may never know. He says he’s fine. His trainer says he sees no difference in him after the accident. We’ll see whether something reveals itself during the fight.

Was Spence wise to forgo a tune-up fight? No one would’ve blamed Spence if he took an easy fight to test his body after the accident. However, he wanted an opponent who would motivate him in training. He has that in Garcia. Kudos to him.

What makes Spence so good? Versatility. If he needs to box, he can box with the best of them (Mikey Garcia fight). If he needs to bang, he’s willing to dig deep (Shawn Porter fight). It’s difficult to beat a big, strong welterweight with unusual skills and durability.

Is Garcia a legitimate threat to Spence?

Absolutely. Spence is probably a better fighter — but not by that much. Garcia has a strong skill set, experience, elite power and a granite chin. He has two losses but both were close decisions against top-tier opponents, Thurman and Porter. You can’t count him out.

***

WHY SPENCE WILL WIN

Spence might have too many advantages over Garcia, assuming he has fully recovered from the car accident. He’s the bigger, stronger fighter, he’s quicker, he’s a better boxer and he can take a punch. That will be difficult for even a fighter of Garcia’s caliber to overcome. Garcia has an edge in experience and unwavering belief in himself — which can go a long way in any fight — but it probably won’t be enough this time.

WHY GARCIA WILL WIN

Never underestimate a wily veteran, especially one with Garcia’s punching power, confidence and chin. He was a dominating junior welterweight. And he held a welterweight title and essentially fought on even terms with two of the best 147 pounders, one of whom (Porter) almost beat Spence. Garcia arguably has a resume worthy of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and can still fight. In other words, don’t be shocked if he has his hand raised in the end.

PREDICTION

Spence by a unanimous decision.

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

• Sebastian Fundora vs. Jorge Cota, 12 rounds, junior middleweights
• Eduardo Ramirez vs. Miguel Flores, 12 rounds, WBA featherweight eliminator
• Josesito Lopez vs. Francisco Santana 10 rounds, welterweights
• Miguel Flores vs. Isaac Avelar, 10 rounds, junior lightweights

[lawrence-related id=15926,15730,15652]

 

Was that worth fifty bucks?

If you were expecting a competitive fight between two capable boxers, then you have a right to feel ripped off after the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition Saturday at Staples Center. If you understood what this was, a pleasant trip down memory lane, then you probably enjoyed it.

Tyson and Jones gave a pretty good effort for 50-somethings who hadn’t fought in 15 and three years, respectively, although they did as much wrestling as throwing punches over the eight two-minute rounds.

“Iron Mike” showed flashes of the heavyweight who terrorized the division three decades ago, moving his head side to side, throwing some quick, hard punches and even punching after the bell in one round. Jones also reminded us of the skills that dazzled us in 1990s, throwing quick, awkward jabs and moving fairly well for a 51-year-old who couldn’t catch his breath.

Tyson seemed to be in better shape than Jones, who appeared to be exhausted the entire fight. That’s underscores the work Tyson put in over a long period of time, which he captured on viral videos.

In the end, Tyson was the busier fighter in terms of punches thrown. There was no official decision but three former fighters – Chad Dawson, Christy Martin and Vinny Pazienza — who were hired by the WBC to score the fight had it a draw, which was somehow appropriate given that the event was staged to benefit charity.

More important, neither of them was hurt in the fight. That might’ve been a nod to California officials, who implored the fighters to hold back in their attacks. They wanted something akin to a sparring session and that’s what they got.

Tyson threw a lot of body shots — some hard — but not as many shots to the head, perhaps in an effort to keep Jones on his feet. Jones threw those jabs here and there and a few punches to the head but also seemed to limit his power shots.

Tyson was asked afterward what he thought about the guest judges’ decision.

“I’m good with that,” he said. “I’m good with a draw.” Why? “Because I entertained the crowd. The crowd was happy with it.”

Jones, still exhausted 15 minutes after the fight, thought he won but also was OK with the draw. And he sounded as if he was relieved simply to hear the final bell.

“I don’t do draws,” he said. “But the dude is so strong. … When he hits you with his head, his punches, his body shots, don’t matter. Everything hurts. So for me, I thought I did enough boxing on the outside to edge it out but, you know, I’m cool with a draw.

“We might have to do it again … but I don’t know.”

Jones’ trepidation might have something to do with the punches he took to the gut.

“The body shots definitely took a toll,” he said. “The body shots are what make you exhausted. Any good fighter knows that. I knew it too. I thought I had a six pack and I was all right, but I guess I need a 12 pack.”

“You took it,” Tyson jumped in. “I hit you with a good shot and you took it. I respect that.” Jones smiled at that.

Jones was asked whether he was ever concerned about the possibility of getting hurt by a naturally bigger, stronger man. Before he could answer, Tyson jumped in and said tongue-in-cheek, “I haven’t fought for [15] years, he only three years. I’m afraid I might … why didn’t anyone care about my ass? He fought three years ago and everyone is worried about his ass.”

Tyson, 54, was asked to assess his performance in his first fight since he was stopped by journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.

However, he gave only a semi-serious answer. He obviously was pleased that he and his partners were able to pull this off and produce a decent product. And, obviously, this is just the start.

“I’m used to doing it for three minutes,” he said. “And sometimes the two minutes felt like three minutes. I’m just happy I got this under my belt and I’ll continue to go further and do more.”

You’ll do this again?

“Absolutely,” he said. “And he’ll (Jones) will be on the card as well.”

Yes, brace yourself for more exhibitions between geezers and/or celebrities who probably would be better off staying out of the ring.

Tyson-Jones undoubtedly generated good pay-per-view numbers, as people remain fascinated with Tyson even though he fought in an earlier generation. That means they likely earned a fortune on Saturday night.

And money has a way of attracting people, even old people.

Was that worth fifty bucks?

If you were expecting a competitive fight between two capable boxers, then you have a right to feel ripped off after the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition Saturday at Staples Center. If you understood what this was, a pleasant trip down memory lane, then you probably enjoyed it.

Tyson and Jones gave a pretty good effort for 50-somethings who hadn’t fought in 15 and three years, respectively, although they did as much wrestling as throwing punches over the eight two-minute rounds.

“Iron Mike” showed flashes of the heavyweight who terrorized the division three decades ago, moving his head side to side, throwing some quick, hard punches and even punching after the bell in one round. Jones also reminded us of the skills that dazzled us in 1990s, throwing quick, awkward jabs and moving fairly well for a 51-year-old who couldn’t catch his breath.

Tyson seemed to be in better shape than Jones, who appeared to be exhausted the entire fight. That’s underscores the work Tyson put in over a long period of time, which he captured on viral videos.

In the end, Tyson was the busier fighter in terms of punches thrown. There was no official decision but three former fighters – Chad Dawson, Christy Martin and Vinny Pazienza — who were hired by the WBC to score the fight had it a draw, which was somehow appropriate given that the event was staged to benefit charity.

More important, neither of them was hurt in the fight. That might’ve been a nod to California officials, who implored the fighters to hold back in their attacks. They wanted something akin to a sparring session and that’s what they got.

Tyson threw a lot of body shots — some hard — but not as many shots to the head, perhaps in an effort to keep Jones on his feet. Jones threw those jabs here and there and a few punches to the head but also seemed to limit his power shots.

Tyson was asked afterward what he thought about the guest judges’ decision.

“I’m good with that,” he said. “I’m good with a draw.” Why? “Because I entertained the crowd. The crowd was happy with it.”

Jones, still exhausted 15 minutes after the fight, thought he won but also was OK with the draw. And he sounded as if he was relieved simply to hear the final bell.

“I don’t do draws,” he said. “But the dude is so strong. … When he hits you with his head, his punches, his body shots, don’t matter. Everything hurts. So for me, I thought I did enough boxing on the outside to edge it out but, you know, I’m cool with a draw.

“We might have to do it again … but I don’t know.”

Jones’ trepidation might have something to do with the punches he took to the gut.

“The body shots definitely took a toll,” he said. “The body shots are what make you exhausted. Any good fighter knows that. I knew it too. I thought I had a six pack and I was all right, but I guess I need a 12 pack.”

“You took it,” Tyson jumped in. “I hit you with a good shot and you took it. I respect that.” Jones smiled at that.

Jones was asked whether he was ever concerned about the possibility of getting hurt by a naturally bigger, stronger man. Before he could answer, Tyson jumped in and said tongue-in-cheek, “I haven’t fought for [15] years, he only three years. I’m afraid I might … why didn’t anyone care about my ass? He fought three years ago and everyone is worried about his ass.”

Tyson, 54, was asked to assess his performance in his first fight since he was stopped by journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.

However, he gave only a semi-serious answer. He obviously was pleased that he and his partners were able to pull this off and produce a decent product. And, obviously, this is just the start.

“I’m used to doing it for three minutes,” he said. “And sometimes the two minutes felt like three minutes. I’m just happy I got this under my belt and I’ll continue to go further and do more.”

You’ll do this again?

“Absolutely,” he said. “And he’ll (Jones) will be on the card as well.”

Yes, brace yourself for more exhibitions between geezers and/or celebrities who probably would be better off staying out of the ring.

Tyson-Jones undoubtedly generated good pay-per-view numbers, as people remain fascinated with Tyson even though he fought in an earlier generation. That means they likely earned a fortune on Saturday night.

And money has a way of attracting people, even old people.

Mike Tyson certainly looks like the beast who terrorized the heavyweight division more than three decades ago, even at 54.

Tyson on Friday weighed in for Saturday’s exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. at Staples Center in Los Angeles. He checked in at 220.4 pounds. That’s the least he has weighed for a bout since the ear-bite fight against Evander Holyfield in 1997, when he weighed 218.

“Iron Mike” weighed 233 for his most-recent fight, a sixth-round knockout loss to journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.

No one is surprised that he’s fit. He has adopted a healthy lifestyle in recent years, including rigorous workouts, some of which he has shared on social media.

And putting in the work during training camp for his meeting with Jones came naturally to him in spite if years away from the sport. And why not? He endured 56 camps during his pro career and many more as an amateur.

The two-time heavyweight champ was asked moments after weighing in what the hardest part of camp was at his age.

“Just doing the work,” he told boxing writer Manouk Akopyan in a video. “Same thing. Nothing changes. Fighting is the easy part of it.”

Tyson was asked moments later how quickly he plans to go after Jones.

“I’m pitching punches,” he said. “… Everything else is up to Roy. I’m coming at him. He doesn’t have to worry about me. If I’ll be running anywhere, I’ll be running at him.”

Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) weighed 210.0 pounds, six more than he has ever weighed for a fight.

The 51-year-old didn’t look as fit as Tyson — he was a little softer — but he appears to be big and strong, which could serve him will over the eight, two-minute rounds.

Jones was at his best between middleweight and light heavyweight but, using his quickness and ring smarts, he won a heavyweight title by outpointing John Ruiz in 2003. He weighed 193 for that fight.

Jones was asked immediately after he weighed in how he planned to win the fight.

“I can’t tell you how I’m going to do it,” he said. “It’ll probably look wrong. So if I told you it would probably sound wrong. But it’s going to turn out right. Trust me.”

[lawrence-related id=15781,15770,15761,15757,15755,15741,15724,15713,15698,15677]

Mike Tyson certainly looks like the beast who terrorized the heavyweight division more than three decades ago, even at 54.

Tyson on Friday weighed in for Saturday’s exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. at Staples Center in Los Angeles. He checked in at 220.4 pounds. That’s the least he has weighed for a bout since the ear-bite fight against Evander Holyfield in 1997, when he weighed 218.

“Iron Mike” weighed 233 for his most-recent fight, a sixth-round knockout loss to journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.

No one is surprised that he’s fit. He has adopted a healthy lifestyle in recent years, including rigorous workouts, some of which he has shared on social media.

And putting in the work during training camp for his meeting with Jones came naturally to him in spite if years away from the sport. And why not? He endured 56 camps during his pro career and many more as an amateur.

The two-time heavyweight champ was asked moments after weighing in what the hardest part of camp was at his age.

“Just doing the work,” he told boxing writer Manouk Akopyan in a video. “Same thing. Nothing changes. Fighting is the easy part of it.”

Tyson was asked moments later how quickly he plans to go after Jones.

“I’m pitching punches,” he said. “… Everything else is up to Roy. I’m coming at him. He doesn’t have to worry about me. If I’ll be running anywhere, I’ll be running at him.”

Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) weighed 210.0 pounds, six more than he has ever weighed for a fight.

The 51-year-old didn’t look as fit as Tyson — he was a little softer — but he appears to be big and strong, which could serve him will over the eight, two-minute rounds.

Jones was at his best between middleweight and light heavyweight but, using his quickness and ring smarts, he won a heavyweight title by outpointing John Ruiz in 2003. He weighed 193 for that fight.

Jones was asked immediately after he weighed in how he planned to win the fight.

“I can’t tell you how I’m going to do it,” he said. “It’ll probably look wrong. So if I told you it would probably sound wrong. But it’s going to turn out right. Trust me.”

[lawrence-related id=15781,15770,15761,15757,15755,15741,15724,15713,15698,15677]

MIKE TYSON VS.
ROY JONES JR.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

When: Saturday, Nov. 28

Start time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

TV: Pay-per-view

Division: Heavyweight (8 two-minute rounds)

At stake: No titles (exhibition)

Odds: None

***

MIKE TYSON BIO

Record: 50-6, 44 KOs

Current titles: None

Other titles: WBC heavyweight (1986-90); WBA and IBF heavyweight (1987-90); WBC heavyweight (1996); WBA heavyweight (1996)

Home country: United States (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Age: 54

Pro debut: 1985

Pro rounds: 215

Height: 5 feet, 10 inches (178 cm)

Reach: 71 inches (180 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Rafael Cordeiro

***

JONES BIO

Record: 66-9, 47 KOs

Current titles: None

Other titles: IBF middleweight (1993-94), IBF super middleweight (1994-96; WBC light heavyweight (1997); WBC light heavyweight (1997-2003); WBA light heavyweight (1998-2003); WBA heavyweight (2003-04); WBA and WBC light heavyweight (2003-04)

Home country: United States (Pensacola, Flas.)

Age: 51

Pro debut: 1989

Pro rounds: 495

Height: 5 feet, 11 inches (180 cm)

Reach: 74 inches (188 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Tom Yankello

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

You should fork over the $50 pay-per-view fee if you think you’ll enjoy a trip down memory lane and want to support the charity or charities that will benefit from the exhibition. You shouldn’t watch if you want to see a real fight. That’s not what this is. This is a glorified sparring session between two old men (by boxing standards) who are shells of what they once were. The exhibition will be contested over eight two-minute rounds and with 12-ounce gloves, which is meant to soften whatever blows they land. And don’t look for a knockout. California officials have asked the participants to refrain from throwing bombs. The last thing anyone wants to see is either of them get seriously hurt.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Has Tyson really recaptured his old form? C’mon. Don’t be fooled by the workout videos he has posted. He was shot when he was stopped by Kevin McBride in his last fight. And that was 15 years ago.

How much does Jones have left? Not much. He’s a little younger than Tyson and has fought more recently – in 2018 (last year if you count an exhibition) – but the once-dazzling speed and reflexes are gone.

Is it appropriate for two 50-somethings to exchange blows? Depends. If the fighters abide by the strict guidelines established by California officials – no crazy stuff – they should be fine.

Who was better at their peaks? Jones. Tyson was good but he never beat an elite opponent when that opponent was in his prime. Jones was the best pound-for-pound fighter of the 1990s.

***

WHY TYSON WILL WIN

First, there will be no official scoring, which means there will be no official winner. The WBC has hired three former fighters to score the fight for fun. Tyson doesn’t have the speed and reflexes he once had but neither does Jones. And “Iron Mike” remains strong and powerful, which is his advantage over his naturally smaller opponent. If Tyson can impose his physical superiority over Jones, he could control the “fight.” And he might be able to KO Jones if he wants to. Let’s hope he doesn’t want to.

WHY JONES WILL WIN

Jones isn’t what he used to be but he probably has a little more left in the than tank than Tyson does. Tyson hasn’t fought for 15 years, which is an eternity in boxing. Jones has been out for less than three years. Thus, he could have better muscle memory than Tyson does. And Jones is about as slick as a 51-year-old can get. He might be able to dance and stick and move to an extent that would frustrate his plodding opponent and allow him to dominate the fight and avoid trouble.

PREDICTION

Our prediction is that Tyson and Jones are going to have a little fun for the benefit of the fans and charity. They’ll move around the ring as best they can, throw a few light punches here and there and then smile and give one another a great big hug afterward. That’s what California officials have in mind. We can only hope that the fighters are on the same page. Again, we are concerned about their health. And if they lose control in the ring, who is going to allow them to take part in an exhibition again?

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

• Badou Jack vs. Blake McKernan, 8 rounds, light heavyweights
• Jamaine Ortiz vs. Sulaiman Segawa, 8 rounds, lightweights
• Irvin Gonzalez vs. Edward Vasquez, 8 rounds, featherweights
• Joe Cusumano vs. Gregory Corbin, 8 rounds, heavyweights
• Jake Paul vs. Nate Robinson, 6 rounds, light heavyweights

[lawrence-related id=15724,15713,15698,15677,9543,12218,15148,15079,14682]

[vertical-gallery id=9558]

MIKE TYSON VS.
ROY JONES JR.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO
KNOW ABOUT THE BIG FIGHT

When: Saturday, Nov. 28

Start time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles

TV: Pay-per-view

Division: Heavyweight (8 two-minute rounds)

At stake: No titles (exhibition)

Odds: None

***

MIKE TYSON BIO

Record: 50-6, 44 KOs

Current titles: None

Other titles: WBC heavyweight (1986-90); WBA and IBF heavyweight (1987-90); WBC heavyweight (1996); WBA heavyweight (1996)

Home country: United States (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Age: 54

Pro debut: 1985

Pro rounds: 215

Height: 5 feet, 10 inches (178 cm)

Reach: 71 inches (180 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Rafael Cordeiro

***

JONES BIO

Record: 66-9, 47 KOs

Current titles: None

Other titles: IBF middleweight (1993-94), IBF super middleweight (1994-96; WBC light heavyweight (1997); WBC light heavyweight (1997-2003); WBA light heavyweight (1998-2003); WBA heavyweight (2003-04); WBA and WBC light heavyweight (2003-04)

Home country: United States (Pensacola, Flas.)

Age: 51

Pro debut: 1989

Pro rounds: 495

Height: 5 feet, 11 inches (180 cm)

Reach: 74 inches (188 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Trainer: Tom Yankello

***

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH

You should fork over the $50 pay-per-view fee if you think you’ll enjoy a trip down memory lane and want to support the charity or charities that will benefit from the exhibition. You shouldn’t watch if you want to see a real fight. That’s not what this is. This is a glorified sparring session between two old men (by boxing standards) who are shells of what they once were. The exhibition will be contested over eight two-minute rounds and with 12-ounce gloves, which is meant to soften whatever blows they land. And don’t look for a knockout. California officials have asked the participants to refrain from throwing bombs. The last thing anyone wants to see is either of them get seriously hurt.

***

FIVE KEY QUESTIONS

Has Tyson really recaptured his old form? C’mon. Don’t be fooled by the workout videos he has posted. He was shot when he was stopped by Kevin McBride in his last fight. And that was 15 years ago.

How much does Jones have left? Not much. He’s a little younger than Tyson and has fought more recently – in 2018 (last year if you count an exhibition) – but the once-dazzling speed and reflexes are gone.

Is it appropriate for two 50-somethings to exchange blows? Depends. If the fighters abide by the strict guidelines established by California officials – no crazy stuff – they should be fine.

Who was better at their peaks? Jones. Tyson was good but he never beat an elite opponent when that opponent was in his prime. Jones was the best pound-for-pound fighter of the 1990s.

***

WHY TYSON WILL WIN

First, there will be no official scoring, which means there will be no official winner. The WBC has hired three former fighters to score the fight for fun. Tyson doesn’t have the speed and reflexes he once had but neither does Jones. And “Iron Mike” remains strong and powerful, which is his advantage over his naturally smaller opponent. If Tyson can impose his physical superiority over Jones, he could control the “fight.” And he might be able to KO Jones if he wants to. Let’s hope he doesn’t want to.

WHY JONES WILL WIN

Jones isn’t what he used to be but he probably has a little more left in the than tank than Tyson does. Tyson hasn’t fought for 15 years, which is an eternity in boxing. Jones has been out for less than three years. Thus, he could have better muscle memory than Tyson does. And Jones is about as slick as a 51-year-old can get. He might be able to dance and stick and move to an extent that would frustrate his plodding opponent and allow him to dominate the fight and avoid trouble.

PREDICTION

Our prediction is that Tyson and Jones are going to have a little fun for the benefit of the fans and charity. They’ll move around the ring as best they can, throw a few light punches here and there and then smile and give one another a great big hug afterward. That’s what California officials have in mind. We can only hope that the fighters are on the same page. Again, we are concerned about their health. And if they lose control in the ring, who is going to allow them to take part in an exhibition again?

***

ALSO ON THE CARD

• Badou Jack vs. Blake McKernan, 8 rounds, light heavyweights
• Jamaine Ortiz vs. Sulaiman Segawa, 8 rounds, lightweights
• Irvin Gonzalez vs. Edward Vasquez, 8 rounds, featherweights
• Joe Cusumano vs. Gregory Corbin, 8 rounds, heavyweights
• Jake Paul vs. Nate Robinson, 6 rounds, light heavyweights

[lawrence-related id=15724,15713,15698,15677,9543,12218,15148,15079,14682]

[vertical-gallery id=9558]