Last week, it was confirmed that two boxing greats, who have since retired, would meet one last time in September. Mike Tyson would face Roy Jones Jr in Los Angeles on September 12.

Fans of boxing worldwide were shocked when, back in May, Tyson released series of footage of himself training vigorously, throwing hard punches that seemed very surprising for a man in his 50s. He then announced that he would be willing to fight to raise money for charity.

This began the search of who would be strong enough to face Tyson. Evander Holyfield, who won both times he faced Tyson back in the 90s, was one of the first people to signify interest but stated that he would not be the one to approach Tyson or ask for the fight. Holyfield never got what he wanted, and the fight never happened and it seemed like it was not going to happen again till Jones signified interest.

Jones, 51, who last fought in 2018, has never faced Tyson, who’s now 54, before and was glad it was finally going to happen. He said, “I had no intention of going back and fighting again but, for the sake of Mike Tyson, I agree to make an exception. For me, this is an opportunity that I cannot refuse. Of all those who wanted to go into the ring with him, he chose me. And since he did that, how can I say no?”

The fight would have eight rounds and the referee would be given the powers to end the fight if it was beginning to get personal. It is being regulated by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) who demanded both boxers to take a series of tests, including one for the coronavirus.

Speaking on the fight, heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua described it as “not a real fight’”, explaining the difference in era. Jones replied him by saying that he and Tyson would have taken on Joshua and Tyson Duty and beat them back in the days. He also stated that his fight with Tyson would be entertaining, describing his opponent as “still just as dangerous as ever.”

Written by: Leon Osamor