Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis? We could see it before year’s end

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis? We could see the retired heavyweights in an exhibition before the end of the year.

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis in December?

That’s the word directly from the mouth of Lewis, who said on the “2worldchamps’ podcast that he will meet his former rival in an exhibition last this year.

Tyson said months ago that he planned to fight Lewis in September but not much has been heard about it since. However, Lewis was asked on the podcast whether he would meet Iron Mike.

“Yes, if he wants to dance, I can dance,” Lewis replied.

When? “December,” he said.

Has that been announced? “Soon.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJyGjpHNbuc

Of course, Lewis might’ve just been having a little fun or trying to will the fight into happening. Who knows? At the same time, the meeting certainly makes sense from a business standpoint.

The storyline is good. Lewis famously knocked out a past-his-prime Tyson in 2002. A rematch of sorts would be interesting. And both have remained in the public eye, Tyson as a worldwide icon and Lewis as a Fox commentator.

Tyson made his exhibition debut against Roy Jones Jr. in November. The pay-per-view event did well, motivating Tyson and his handlers to do it again.

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) and Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) are 55 years old. Lewis turns 56 on Sept. 2. Both of them are Hall of Famers.

[lawrence-related id=19775,15863]

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis? We could see it before year’s end

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis? We could see the retired heavyweights in an exhibition before the end of the year.

Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis in December?

That’s the word directly from the mouth of Lewis, who said on the “2worldchamps’ podcast that he will meet his former rival in an exhibition last this year.

Tyson said months ago that he planned to fight Lewis in September but not much has been heard about it since. However, Lewis was asked on the podcast whether he would meet Iron Mike.

“Yes, if he wants to dance, I can dance,” Lewis replied.

When? “December,” he said.

Has that been announced? “Soon.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJyGjpHNbuc

Of course, Lewis might’ve just been having a little fun or trying to will the fight into happening. Who knows? At the same time, the meeting certainly makes sense from a business standpoint.

The storyline is good. Lewis famously knocked out a past-his-prime Tyson in 2002. A rematch of sorts would be interesting. And both have remained in the public eye, Tyson as a worldwide icon and Lewis as a Fox commentator.

Tyson made his exhibition debut against Roy Jones Jr. in November. The pay-per-view event did well, motivating Tyson and his handlers to do it again.

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) and Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) are 55 years old. Lewis turns 56 on Sept. 2. Both of them are Hall of Famers.

[lawrence-related id=19775,15863]

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Danny Garcia: Your guide to the big fight

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 …

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

Errol Spence Jr. will be fighting for the first time since his horrific car accident 14 months ago. Stewart F. House / Premier Boxing Champions

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

Danny Garcia has one of the strongest resumes among active boxers. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

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: Your guide to the big fight

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 …

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

Errol Spence Jr. will be fighting for the first time since his horrific car accident 14 months ago. Stewart F. House / Premier Boxing Champions

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

Danny Garcia has one of the strongest resumes among active boxers. Amanda Westcott / Showtime

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]

 

Mike Tyson says he smoked marijuana before fight vs. Roy Jones Jr.

Mike Tyson said that he smoked marijuana before his exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday.

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on USAToday.

***

Mike Tyson said he smoked marijuana right before he fought Roy Jones Jr. Saturday night in his celebrated return to the boxing ring at the age of 54.

“Absolutely, yes,” he said during his post-fight press conference.

Tyson and Jones fought to a draw in an eight-round exhibition at Staples Center in Los Angeles as scored by three former WBC champions.

After the bout, Tyson indicated he smoked another joint, apparently before he met with the media to discuss his first fight in 15 years.

“Listen, I can’t stop smoking,” he said. “I smoked during fights. I just have to smoke, I’m sorry. I’m a smoker. … I smoke everyday. I never stopped smoking.”

Fighting in an exhibition rather than a professional fight apparently gave Tyson some wiggle room. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tested the fighters for performance-enhancing drugs prior to the bout, but marijuana reportedly was not on the list of banned substances.

Tyson said he stopped using cocaine about 2½ years ago, but that turns out not to be the case for marijuana — even before he enters the ring.

“It’s just who I am,’’ he said. “It has no effect on me from a negative standpoint. It’s just what I do and how I am and how I’m going to die. There’s no explanation. There’s no beginning, there’s no end.”

Did the marijuana help numb the pain Saturday night?

“No, it just numbs me,” he said. “It doesn’t numb the pain”

The bout proved entertaining, with Tyson looking fit and powerful and landing hard punches to Jones’ body. For his part, Jones flashed some of his old showmanship but also kept Tyson tied up for much of the fight as a means of survival.

Tyson said he didn’t know how much money the fight generated, but he assured his winnings won’t be spent the way they were in the past, when he squandered much of the $685 million that Forbes reported Tyson earned during his career.

[vertical-gallery id=15876]

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Mike Tyson says he smoked marijuana before fight vs. Roy Jones Jr.

Mike Tyson said that he smoked marijuana before his exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday.

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on USAToday.

***

Mike Tyson said he smoked marijuana right before he fought Roy Jones Jr. Saturday night in his celebrated return to the boxing ring at the age of 54.

“Absolutely, yes,” he said during his post-fight press conference.

Tyson and Jones fought to a draw in an eight-round exhibition at Staples Center in Los Angeles as scored by three former WBC champions.

After the bout, Tyson indicated he smoked another joint, apparently before he met with the media to discuss his first fight in 15 years.

“Listen, I can’t stop smoking,” he said. “I smoked during fights. I just have to smoke, I’m sorry. I’m a smoker. … I smoke everyday. I never stopped smoking.”

Fighting in an exhibition rather than a professional fight apparently gave Tyson some wiggle room. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association tested the fighters for performance-enhancing drugs prior to the bout, but marijuana reportedly was not on the list of banned substances.

Tyson said he stopped using cocaine about 2½ years ago, but that turns out not to be the case for marijuana — even before he enters the ring.

“It’s just who I am,’’ he said. “It has no effect on me from a negative standpoint. It’s just what I do and how I am and how I’m going to die. There’s no explanation. There’s no beginning, there’s no end.”

Did the marijuana help numb the pain Saturday night?

“No, it just numbs me,” he said. “It doesn’t numb the pain”

The bout proved entertaining, with Tyson looking fit and powerful and landing hard punches to Jones’ body. For his part, Jones flashed some of his old showmanship but also kept Tyson tied up for much of the fight as a means of survival.

Tyson said he didn’t know how much money the fight generated, but he assured his winnings won’t be spent the way they were in the past, when he squandered much of the $685 million that Forbes reported Tyson earned during his career.

[vertical-gallery id=15876]

[lawrence-related id=15912,15906,15863,15857,15854]

Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr. bring back memories in safe fight

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. gave fans a mildly entertaining trip down memory lane on Saturday in Los Angeles.

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, Roy Jones Jr. bring back memories in safe fight

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. gave fans a mildly entertaining trip down memory lane on Saturday in Los Angeles.

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 vs. Roy Jones Jr. weigh-in: Tyson 220.4, Jones 210

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. on Friday weighed 220.4 and 210, respectively, for Saturday’s exhibition in Los Angeles.

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. weigh-in: Tyson 220.4, Jones 210

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. on Friday weighed 220.4 and 210, respectively, for Saturday’s exhibition in Los Angeles.

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]