The ferocious and vicious “Iron” Mike hasn’t fought since 2005 and is returning to the boxing ring. This time around he’ll match up against the former four-division world champion and boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. 54-year- old Tyson took to twitter announcing the Legends Only League in a promo video entailing the savvy expectations.
“It will not only feature fighters but baseball players, basketball players, soccer players and everyone who society says is too old, they’re over the hill but still have it in them. Come with us. Get your agents, get your manager, come to get with me and you’ll live in your glory year for a second time.”
Prior to the announcement, video clips in recent months surfaced of Tyson’s training videos giving the world a glimpse of his hard-hitting punches and orthodox style. There’s no denying the man hasn’t lost his touch but many critics question if Tyson can sustain his energy past 3 rounds.
The fight is scheduled to take place on Sept. 12 in an 8 round exhibition entitled Frontline Battle. The broadcasted fight will be available on Pay-per-view and rising platform, Triller.
According to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, large gloves without the intention of trying to score a knockout have been agreed upon by Jones Jr. and Tyson. The bout is expected to take place at Dignity Health Sports Arena in Los Angeles with a full undercard along with musical performances.
Tyson’s boldness to return should entertain a possible comeback for former boxers such as Laila Ali. 24 wins, 21 knockouts and no losses as the daughter of the greatest boxer of all-time Muhammad Ali is still remarkable career. Many boxing fans would love to see Ali come out of retirement and take on undefeated Flint, Michigan native Claressa Shields. Ali went on the record during a segment on ESPN’s First Take this past February stating “I would come out of retirement to fight Claressa Shields for the right price.”
Although the hopes of that fight is far-fetched and fading away, a rebirth of watching Tyson and Jones Jr. will be an interesting match that will generate revenue and possibly set the record for one of the most watched Pay-per-views. Tyson recorded during his professional career a 50-6 record with 44 knockouts. At the age of 20, Tyson became the youngest world heavy weight champion. Jones Jr., 51-years-old, counters that with an impressive 66-9 record backed by 47 knockouts. The left lead hook from the hip is one of Jones Jr. astonishing strikes. Opponents never anticipate the speed and quickness given Jones. Jr. foot work is crafty. One of his best attributes is the quick hand speed that can neutralize opponents when throwing jabs.
Tyson is primarily known for his knockouts and weaving left and right under his opponent punches. Suddenly, a powerful hook to the left rib by Tyson leaves room for him to decapitate the face of his opponent. His aggressive approach to cause wear and tare to his opponents is something Jones Jr. will have to brace himself for. The big right hand hook thrown followed by defense is Tyson’s perfect shield to eat punches thrown at him.
Matches like these are what boxing fans hope for or entertain in debates especially when the “what if” is in question. This isn’t a prime “Iron” Mike and Roy Jones Jr at their best squaring off for a world heavy weight title. This is the battle of undefeated father time for two great legends who can move as quick as speeding bullet and hit hard like two cars in a bad collision. After all, not even criticism despite the outcome will break this special bond these two ultimate competitors have.
For tweets and the video, click on the next page.