Preview: Tyson vs Jones – the comeback fight

Mike Tyson makes his long-awaited return to the ring this weekend in a unique, showpiece clash with Roy Jones Jr.  The two fiftysomething legends of Boxing, square off on Thanksgiving weekend and will touch gloves inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Why is he back fighting?

Boxing fans around the world had been left stunned by the news of his comeback and now only have two days to wait until he’s back in the ring.  Despite turning 54 in June, the controversial fighter looks in prime condition after undergoing a series of intense training sessions to speed up his incredible physical transformation.

But it was his marriage to his new wife which seems to have prompted Tyson to change his ways which had threatened his overall well-being for so long.  He got sober and was offered a comeback fight against Bob Sapp, which he refused despite being offered a lot of money.  Before long, however, another fight was put on the table and Tyson could no longer resist the temptation.  With a twist of fate, he now comes face to face with the only candidate who dared take up the challenge – Roy Jones Jr.

Mike Tyson’s Highlights

You are not nicknamed ‘The baddest man on the planet’ for no reason.  It is an unmissable cue that Tyson is most known for; brute strength and aggression.  After winning his first 19 professional fights, Tyson had already established himself as one of Boxing’s most devastating hitters by the age of 20.  He knocked out lightweight champ Michael Spinks in ninety-one seconds, flattened Clifford Etienne inside the first minute, and even defeated Marvis Frazier – the son of legendary fighter Joe Frazier, in less than thirty seconds.

Who is his opponent Roy Jones Jr?

His opponent Roy Jones Jr has won world titles at middleweight, super-middleweight, light-heavyweight, and heavyweight, and is the only boxer to start his career at light-middleweight and win a world title at heavyweight.  During his professional career, Jones amassed 75 pro fights and lost just nine.  He last fought as recently as 2018.

Some Fun Facts

Perhaps most known for his infamous bite on Evander Holyfield which eventually got him disqualified, his thunderous yet entertaining career revolved around scandals, misadventures, and more trouble, but as long as he kept winning, nobody cared.

It has been said that the fight with Jones Jr has been ten years in the making and one wonders what could have happened if the fight took place ten years ago.  Perhaps now we will get to see a more mature, less controversial Mike in the ring?  The countdown is on. 

When and Where Can you Watch?

The two fighters meet in the ring on Saturday 28 November in a bout for the ages at the Los Angeles’ Staples Centre, California.  The main event is set to get underway between 4 am and 5 am UK time and you can exclusively follow the fight on BT Sport.