Tag: Tyson vs. Jones

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.: Your guide to the big fight

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.: Your guide to the big fight.

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

Mike Tyson has taken his training seriously. Olivier Douliery / Sipa via AP Images

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

Roy Jones Jr. might have more left in the tank than Tyson. Noam Galai / Getty Images for HBO

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.: Your guide to the big fight

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.: Your guide to the big fight.

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

Mike Tyson has taken his training seriously. Olivier Douliery / Sipa via AP Images

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

Roy Jones Jr. might have more left in the tank than Tyson. Noam Galai / Getty Images for HBO

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]

5 questions going into Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.

Here are five questions going into the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition Saturday in Los Angeles.

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. will meet for whatever they plan to do in the ring Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles on pay-per-view.

The exhibition, which officials likened to a sparring session, matches two all-time greats against one another in boxing’s version of an old-timers game. Tyson is 54, Jones 51. Well see whether “old-timers” and “boxing” go together.

Tyson stirred the masses — as he had done so many times in the distance past — by posting on social media videos of himself looking as ripped and imposing as ever. Some are convinced that the heavyweight who terrorized the division in the 1980s is back, as fantastic as that seems.

And the hype has been immense, with Tyson claiming he’s the killer of old and Jones expressing trepidation. Could they be just trying to sell the fight? Wink, wink.

The pre-fight chatter will be at high volume this week. With that in mind, here are five questions to ponder going into the exhibition.

No. 1

Has Tyson really recaptured his old form?

Of course not. I shake my head when I hear someone say that the 54-year-old former two-time heavyweight champion can compete with the likes of Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua today. C’mon. He looked horrible in his last fight, a knockout loss to journeyman Kevin McBride. And that was 15 years ago. He might be fit (for his age) and as ferocious as ever, which brings back memories of the juggernaut who once steamrolled all-comers. But it’s an illusion. One can whip oneself into reasonably good shape and summon the passion of the past but speed, coordination and reflexes fade over time. Tyson is definitely a bad ass for his age – he’ll probably remain one for the rest of his life – but the fighter who captured our collective imagination 30-plus years ago has been relegated to history. Don’t fool yourself into believing anything else.

No. 2

How much has Jones declined?

See above. The former four-division titleholder was once one of the most-dazzling all-around fighters in history, with off-the-charts quickness, reflexes and power. Now? He’s just an old man (by boxing standards) with a lot of experience and some muscle memory. Jones has a few advantages over Tyson. He’s a little younger, although three years isn’t much. More important, he last fought in February 2018, when he outpointed journeyman Scott Sigmon. Almost three years away is a lot – especially for a 50-something fighter – but it’s nothing compared to 15, which is a lifetime ago. And it should be noted that Jones took part in an exhibition against Dion Rizzuto in February of last year. Jones clearly is a different person from the one who was so dominating in the 1990s and early 2000s but, our gut tells us, he has more left than Tyson does.

No. 3

Is it appropriate for two 50-somethings to exchange blows?

Good question. If this were an actual fight, one in which the principals intended to hurt one another, the answer to that question would be “no.” That’s probably not the reality, though. California officials have made this as safe as possible – oversized gloves, eight two-minute rounds and, it seems, an understanding between the fighters that they will not try to knock each other’s gray-haired heads off. If that’s the case, if this is essentially the sparring session officials have described, then there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. The last thing anyone wants to see is either Tyson or Jones carried out of the arena on a stretcher. Can you image?

No. 4

Who was better at their peaks?

Jones. Tyson was an excellent fighter and a much bigger figure than Jones – he was the youngest ever to win the heavyweight crown, after all – but he never beat an elite opponent when that opponent was in his prime. Not once. His greatest victory was probably his knockout of Michael Spinks, who was a special light heavyweight but only a good heavyweight. Jones was the best fighter of an entire decade-plus, the 1990s and early 2000s. His dazzling speed, flair and power was breathtaking for those fortunate enough to witness it. He was arguably the best fighter between Sugar Ray Leonard and the present. Would Jones have beaten Tyson head-to-head in their primes? Highly doubtful because of the size difference. But he was better than Tyson pound-for-pound.

No. 5

Should we pay $50 to watch this?

Depends. If you’re expecting to see a competitive clash between two contender-level fighters, then don’t waste your money. That’s not what this is. It’s a glorified light sparring session between two once-great, but badly faded legends, nothing more. The exhibition won’t be scored and there will be no winner, at least officially. Retired boxers Christy Martin, Vinny Pazienza and Chad Dawson were hired by the WBC to score the fight just for fun. And the participants will wear 12-pounce gloves, which should soften whatever blows they end up landing. If you understand that, if you’re happy simply to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, then, hey, $50 isn’t an outrageous fee. Knock yourself out, which is more than Tyson or Jones is likely to do to the other on Saturday night.

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

 

5 questions going into Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.

Here are five questions going into the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition Saturday in Los Angeles.

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. will meet for whatever they plan to do in the ring Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles on pay-per-view.

The exhibition, which officials likened to a sparring session, matches two all-time greats against one another in boxing’s version of an old-timers game. Tyson is 54, Jones 51. Well see whether “old-timers” and “boxing” go together.

Tyson stirred the masses — as he had done so many times in the distance past — by posting on social media videos of himself looking as ripped and imposing as ever. Some are convinced that the heavyweight who terrorized the division in the 1980s is back, as fantastic as that seems.

And the hype has been immense, with Tyson claiming he’s the killer of old and Jones expressing trepidation. Could they be just trying to sell the fight? Wink, wink.

The pre-fight chatter will be at high volume this week. With that in mind, here are five questions to ponder going into the exhibition.

No. 1

Has Tyson really recaptured his old form?

Of course not. I shake my head when I hear someone say that the 54-year-old former two-time heavyweight champion can compete with the likes of Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua today. C’mon. He looked horrible in his last fight, a knockout loss to journeyman Kevin McBride. And that was 15 years ago. He might be fit (for his age) and as ferocious as ever, which brings back memories of the juggernaut who once steamrolled all-comers. But it’s an illusion. One can whip oneself into reasonably good shape and summon the passion of the past but speed, coordination and reflexes fade over time. Tyson is definitely a bad ass for his age – he’ll probably remain one for the rest of his life – but the fighter who captured our collective imagination 30-plus years ago has been relegated to history. Don’t fool yourself into believing anything else.

No. 2

How much has Jones declined?

See above. The former four-division titleholder was once one of the most-dazzling all-around fighters in history, with off-the-charts quickness, reflexes and power. Now? He’s just an old man (by boxing standards) with a lot of experience and some muscle memory. Jones has a few advantages over Tyson. He’s a little younger, although three years isn’t much. More important, he last fought in February 2018, when he outpointed journeyman Scott Sigmon. Almost three years away is a lot – especially for a 50-something fighter – but it’s nothing compared to 15, which is a lifetime ago. And it should be noted that Jones took part in an exhibition against Dion Rizzuto in February of last year. Jones clearly is a different person from the one who was so dominating in the 1990s and early 2000s but, our gut tells us, he has more left than Tyson does.

No. 3

Is it appropriate for two 50-somethings to exchange blows?

Good question. If this were an actual fight, one in which the principals intended to hurt one another, the answer to that question would be “no.” That’s probably not the reality, though. California officials have made this as safe as possible – oversized gloves, eight two-minute rounds and, it seems, an understanding between the fighters that they will not try to knock each other’s gray-haired heads off. If that’s the case, if this is essentially the sparring session officials have described, then there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. The last thing anyone wants to see is either Tyson or Jones carried out of the arena on a stretcher. Can you image?

No. 4

Who was better at their peaks?

Jones. Tyson was an excellent fighter and a much bigger figure than Jones – he was the youngest ever to win the heavyweight crown, after all – but he never beat an elite opponent when that opponent was in his prime. Not once. His greatest victory was probably his knockout of Michael Spinks, who was a special light heavyweight but only a good heavyweight. Jones was the best fighter of an entire decade-plus, the 1990s and early 2000s. His dazzling speed, flair and power was breathtaking for those fortunate enough to witness it. He was arguably the best fighter between Sugar Ray Leonard and the present. Would Jones have beaten Tyson head-to-head in their primes? Highly doubtful because of the size difference. But he was better than Tyson pound-for-pound.

No. 5

Should we pay $50 to watch this?

Depends. If you’re expecting to see a competitive clash between two contender-level fighters, then don’t waste your money. That’s not what this is. It’s a glorified light sparring session between two once-great, but badly faded legends, nothing more. The exhibition won’t be scored and there will be no winner, at least officially. Retired boxers Christy Martin, Vinny Pazienza and Chad Dawson were hired by the WBC to score the fight just for fun. And the participants will wear 12-pounce gloves, which should soften whatever blows they end up landing. If you understand that, if you’re happy simply to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, then, hey, $50 isn’t an outrageous fee. Knock yourself out, which is more than Tyson or Jones is likely to do to the other on Saturday night.

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

 

On this day: Mike Tyson made history vs. Trevor Berbick in 1986

Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history when he stopped Trevor Berbick in 1986.

Mike Tyson, only 20, was already a sensation when he stepped into the ring to challenge heavyweight titleholder Trevor Berbick on Nov. 22, 1986 at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas – 34 years ago today.

“Iron Mike,” sometimes fighting once every few weeks, delivered one brutal knockout after another on free television to build a record of 27-0 (25 KOs) and capture the imagination of even those with no interest in boxing. No one could look away.

Berbick is a footnote in heavyweight history. The native of Jamaica had outpointed Pinklon Thomas to win his belt eight months earlier but was just another in a series of mediocre heavyweight titleholders of that era.

He certainly was no threat to Tyson.

The challenger wasted no time in attacking the 32-year-old champion, throwing missiles intended to end the fight early. Berbick made it out of the first round but already had taken some big blows and seemed grossly overmatched.

In the second round, Tyson continued the assault before finally putting Berbick down with a right hand. Berbick got up but his fate couldn’t be more clear. Tyson ended the fight with a left hook that knocked his prey to canvas again. Berbick tried to get up and fell. Tried again, fell again. He managed on the third try to get to his feet but was in no condition to continue. Referee Mills Lane mercifully stopped the fight at 2:35 of Round 2.

Tyson had claimed what seemed to be his rightful place in boxing, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

“I’m the youngest heavyweight boxing champion in history,” Tyson said after the fight, “and I’m going to be the oldest.”

Well, things didn’t work out that way.

Tyson added two more belts to his collection and successfully defended his title nine times, including a 91-second demolition of Michael Spinks on his finest night in the ring.

Then it all came crashing down on an unforgettable night on Feb. 11, 1990 in Tokyo, when Buster Douglas stunned Tyson and the world by knocking out a man many thought was invincible.

Tyson’s historic run was over in an unfathomable instant. And he was only 23.

He would end up in prison on a rape conviction a few years later and, capping a notable comeback, regained a few heavyweight titles but he was never the same fascinating juggernaut who annihilated Berbick more than three decades ago.

Of course, people are still intrigued with Tyson, who is 54 now. That’s why a pay-per-view exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. scheduled for Nov. 28 in Los Angeles will undoubtedly do good business. Some seem to believe he can still fight at a high level.

Those days are long gone … but not forgotten.

[lawrence-related id=15677,9543,12218,15148]

On this day: Mike Tyson made history vs. Trevor Berbick in 1986

Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history when he stopped Trevor Berbick in 1986.

Mike Tyson, only 20, was already a sensation when he stepped into the ring to challenge heavyweight titleholder Trevor Berbick on Nov. 22, 1986 at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas – 34 years ago today.

“Iron Mike,” sometimes fighting once every few weeks, delivered one brutal knockout after another on free television to build a record of 27-0 (25 KOs) and capture the imagination of even those with no interest in boxing. No one could look away.

Berbick is a footnote in heavyweight history. The native of Jamaica had outpointed Pinklon Thomas to win his belt eight months earlier but was just another in a series of mediocre heavyweight titleholders of that era.

He certainly was no threat to Tyson.

The challenger wasted no time in attacking the 32-year-old champion, throwing missiles intended to end the fight early. Berbick made it out of the first round but already had taken some big blows and seemed grossly overmatched.

In the second round, Tyson continued the assault before finally putting Berbick down with a right hand. Berbick got up but his fate couldn’t be more clear. Tyson ended the fight with a left hook that knocked his prey to canvas again. Berbick tried to get up and fell. Tried again, fell again. He managed on the third try to get to his feet but was in no condition to continue. Referee Mills Lane mercifully stopped the fight at 2:35 of Round 2.

Tyson had claimed what seemed to be his rightful place in boxing, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever.

“I’m the youngest heavyweight boxing champion in history,” Tyson said after the fight, “and I’m going to be the oldest.”

Well, things didn’t work out that way.

Tyson added two more belts to his collection and successfully defended his title nine times, including a 91-second demolition of Michael Spinks on his finest night in the ring.

Then it all came crashing down on an unforgettable night on Feb. 11, 1990 in Tokyo, when Buster Douglas stunned Tyson and the world by knocking out a man many thought was invincible.

Tyson’s historic run was over in an unfathomable instant. And he was only 23.

He would end up in prison on a rape conviction a few years later and, capping a notable comeback, regained a few heavyweight titles but he was never the same fascinating juggernaut who annihilated Berbick more than three decades ago.

Of course, people are still intrigued with Tyson, who is 54 now. That’s why a pay-per-view exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. scheduled for Nov. 28 in Los Angeles will undoubtedly do good business. Some seem to believe he can still fight at a high level.

Those days are long gone … but not forgotten.

[lawrence-related id=15677,9543,12218,15148]

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.: No official scoring, no official winner

California officials will neither score the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition nor announce a winner.

Can’t wait to find out who wins the pay-per-view fight between legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. on Nov. 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles?

Turns out you’ll never know, at least not in terms of an official result.

The California State Athletic Commission told BoxingScene.com that its judges will not be working what has been described as an exhibition, meaning no official winner will be announced.

Instead, a trio of former champions – Chad Dawson, Christy Martin and Vinny Pazienza – will be “scoring” the bout remotely for the WBC.

The sanctioning body came up with what it has called a “Frontline Battle Belt” to give to the winner of the exhibition, which will be fought over eight two-minute rounds using 12-ounce gloves.

The fighters will be tested for drugs by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. However, marijuana will not be included. Tyson owns the cannabis company Tyson Ranch.

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) caused a stir earlier this year by posting a video of himself training but the 54-year-old hasn’t actually fought since he was knocked out by Kevin McBride in 2005.

Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) outpointed journeyman Scott Sigmon in February 2018. He’s 51.

The fight is available on pay-per-view for $49 in the U.S.

[lawrence-related id=12218,15148,15079,14682,13836,13827,13805]

Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.: No official scoring, no official winner

California officials will neither score the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. exhibition nor announce a winner.

Can’t wait to find out who wins the pay-per-view fight between legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. on Nov. 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles?

Turns out you’ll never know, at least not in terms of an official result.

The California State Athletic Commission told BoxingScene.com that its judges will not be working what has been described as an exhibition, meaning no official winner will be announced.

Instead, a trio of former champions – Chad Dawson, Christy Martin and Vinny Pazienza – will be “scoring” the bout remotely for the WBC.

The sanctioning body came up with what it has called a “Frontline Battle Belt” to give to the winner of the exhibition, which will be fought over eight two-minute rounds using 12-ounce gloves.

The fighters will be tested for drugs by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. However, marijuana will not be included. Tyson owns the cannabis company Tyson Ranch.

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) caused a stir earlier this year by posting a video of himself training but the 54-year-old hasn’t actually fought since he was knocked out by Kevin McBride in 2005.

Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) outpointed journeyman Scott Sigmon in February 2018. He’s 51.

The fight is available on pay-per-view for $49 in the U.S.

[lawrence-related id=12218,15148,15079,14682,13836,13827,13805]

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. say they are ready for ‘real fight’ on Nov. 28

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. say they are ready for ‘real fight’ on Nov. 28

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

***

When Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. announced they would be facing each other, some people thought it would be an actual boxing match. However, the head of the California State Athletic Commission, Andy Foster, made it clear that the eight-round exhibition wouldn’t be a real fight and would be contested with 12-ounce gloves, no headgear, and two-minute rounds instead of three.

“This isn’t a situation where they’re going out there to try to take each other’s heads off,” Foster told Yahoo Sports in July. “They’re just going to be in there moving around the ring and letting fans see these legends.”

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) and Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) held a virtual press conference ahead of their Nov. 28 clash that will now take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles. At times, the presser got out of hand, especially when undercard fighter Jake Paul, who was at a hospital claiming that he punched his hand through a car, kept interrupting his opponent Nate Robinson and making vile comments. When Tyson and Jones were speaking, there were times you could audibly hear people who weren’t scheduled to be part of the call making remarks.

But the talk turned serious when the conversation turned to Foster’s comments a few months back. Tyson got upset that Foster would call it anything but a real fight between the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and the former four-division titleholder.

“Listen, I do not know what you’re talking about,” Tyson said. “What’s not a real fight? You got Mike Tyson and Roy Jones. I’m coming to fight, and I hope he’s coming to fight. That’s all you need to know.”

The former pound-for-pounder echoed Tyson’s sentiments but sounded more perturbed about it than his opponent.

“First of all, if you think you are going into the ring with Mike Tyson, the last guy that did an ‘exhibition’ with Mike got dropped in the first round,” Jones said. “If you don’t know that, then something is wrong with you. Who goes into the ring with the great, legendary Mike Tyson and thinks, ‘Oh, this is going to be an exhibition?’ 12-ounce gloves? No headgear? Really? This is an exhibition? Come on, man. Be for real’.”

Regardless of what Foster had to say, Tyson, 54, made it clear that he’s going in with the same game plan he’s always had whenever he stepped inside the ring.

“My objective,” he said, “is to go in there with the best intentions of my life and disable my opponent.”

[lawrence-related id=15079,14682,14344,14081,13836,13827]

 

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. say they are ready for ‘real fight’ on Nov. 28

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. say they are ready for ‘real fight’ on Nov. 28

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

***

When Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. announced they would be facing each other, some people thought it would be an actual boxing match. However, the head of the California State Athletic Commission, Andy Foster, made it clear that the eight-round exhibition wouldn’t be a real fight and would be contested with 12-ounce gloves, no headgear, and two-minute rounds instead of three.

“This isn’t a situation where they’re going out there to try to take each other’s heads off,” Foster told Yahoo Sports in July. “They’re just going to be in there moving around the ring and letting fans see these legends.”

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) and Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) held a virtual press conference ahead of their Nov. 28 clash that will now take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles. At times, the presser got out of hand, especially when undercard fighter Jake Paul, who was at a hospital claiming that he punched his hand through a car, kept interrupting his opponent Nate Robinson and making vile comments. When Tyson and Jones were speaking, there were times you could audibly hear people who weren’t scheduled to be part of the call making remarks.

But the talk turned serious when the conversation turned to Foster’s comments a few months back. Tyson got upset that Foster would call it anything but a real fight between the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and the former four-division titleholder.

“Listen, I do not know what you’re talking about,” Tyson said. “What’s not a real fight? You got Mike Tyson and Roy Jones. I’m coming to fight, and I hope he’s coming to fight. That’s all you need to know.”

The former pound-for-pounder echoed Tyson’s sentiments but sounded more perturbed about it than his opponent.

“First of all, if you think you are going into the ring with Mike Tyson, the last guy that did an ‘exhibition’ with Mike got dropped in the first round,” Jones said. “If you don’t know that, then something is wrong with you. Who goes into the ring with the great, legendary Mike Tyson and thinks, ‘Oh, this is going to be an exhibition?’ 12-ounce gloves? No headgear? Really? This is an exhibition? Come on, man. Be for real’.”

Regardless of what Foster had to say, Tyson, 54, made it clear that he’s going in with the same game plan he’s always had whenever he stepped inside the ring.

“My objective,” he said, “is to go in there with the best intentions of my life and disable my opponent.”

[lawrence-related id=15079,14682,14344,14081,13836,13827]