If you did a double take at the calendar after seeing the headline you’d be forgiven. Yes, it is 2020, not 1990. And yes, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr. are returning to the ring to face one another.
Mike Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion who dominated heavyweights in the 80’s and 90’s will face former four division champion, Roy Jones, Jr. in an exhibition bout this Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The event is officially sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission. Given the age of the fighters and the nature of the event. A few special rules will apply. Both fighters were required to submit CSAC medical tests for fighters over 40. The referee will be under specific instructions to stop the match if it goes beyond “the boundaries of a competitive boxing exhibition”. The fight is scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, rather than 12 and there will be no scorecard. Meaning, no winner or loser to be declared at the end.
For fight fans of the 80’s and 90’s the names are sure to evoke nostalgia, for the common fan – curiosity. Given the way 2020 has transpired is it any surprise this is happening?
Check out the preview for Tyson vs. Jones, Jr. here.