By Geno McGahee
In 2003, Roy Jones, JR., would move up from the light heavyweight to the heavyweight division and take the WBA title from the long-reigning champion, John Ruiz. After such a dominant victory over one of the top dogs in the division, there was a lot of speculation as to who would be the first challenger. Boxers like Vitali Klitschko, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson were considered, but out of the three, Tyson was the most likely.
Tyson was seen as well beyond his better years, but still very dangerous and had destroyed Clifford Etienne, a fringe contender. Jones, JR., made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with Iron Mike and priced himself out of the match, opting to move back to 175 and then move up to cruiserweight toward the end of his career.
In recent weeks, the footage of Mike Tyson in shape and hitting the mitts has surfaced and he looks great. When you factor in that he left the sport disgruntled and unmotivated, most, including Iron Mike, believe there is some unfinished business. Mike will not rest well the way that he left the sport that he loves so much. So, with his head screwed on straight, he is ready to give it one more go, sticking his toe in the water in an 8 round exhibition bout.
Tyson, 50-6, 44 KO’s, has not been in the ring since June of 2006 in a fight that he lost via stoppage to the journeyman, Kevin McBride. After the fight, Tyson noted that he wasn’t going to disrespect the sport anymore and that he was only in it to pay his bills, which had really piled up at that point. In 2020, he’s made his money back, matured, and even at 54 years old looks like he could cause some serious trouble in the heavyweight division.
Roy Jones, JR., 66-9, 44 KO’s, has been active in the ring, more or less, fighting mediocrities and getting victories without much of a problem. Unfortunately, when he did face opposition that had any credentials, he lost. He was knocked out by Enzo Maccarinelli in four rounds and Danny Green stopped him inside of a round. Jones, JR., has relied on his reflexes to get him to the top and, at his age, they’re not there anymore.
On September 12th, Tyson and Jones, JR., step into the ring for an 8 round exhibition fight and they’ve stated two things in passing. One, neither will be looking for a KO and there will be no judges. They also announced that there will be some sort of concert and that is something I’m not looking forward to at all, but maybe others will enjoy it.
I suspect the plan is to go through the motions and give a boxing display to the fans, but Tyson has to land eventually and with Roy’s chin, it won’t take big Tyson shot to end it. On the other hand, if it goes 8 rounds, I don’t think that Mike will get anything done. Tyson has to be aggressive or he will just have Roy play with him for 8 rounds. Judges or not, RJJ will have bragging rights. Considering all the hype around Tyson, I don’t think he will go for this scenario.
Expect the opening bell to ring and the two playing nice. It won’t last long. Eventually it will open up and the two will fight and anything could happen. Roy has been more active and Tyson looks great in the gym, but with both men in their fifties, either could get knocked out and KO’d early. Tyson hasn’t taken a shot to the chin since 2006. Roy’s not been hit by a heavyweight since 2003. Anything can and may happen.
If the two really fight, Roy will get knocked out. The problem that RJJ faces is his fighting off the ropes technique that he’s been using a lot lately. With his reflexes not being there anymore, Tyson will open up and land and it won’t take more than one. He would have to find a home in the middle of the ring and jab Iron Mike but, no matter what, I see him driven back to the ropes and that’s where Tyson will open up and Roy will be stopped. So, all this talk about no judges and taking it easy should be ignored. You won’t need judges and the fight will open up.
