Boxing legend Mike Tyson has confirmed his return to the ring after 15 years. Few would know what makes the 54-year former heavyweight champion to set up the September 12 date with another yesteryear great Roy Jones Jr.
The pay-per-view broadcast exhibition bout will also be aired on upstart music video app Triller. The event, to take place in California, has been sanctioned by the State’s athletic commission.
The 1988 Olympics silver medallist, Jones Jr as a professional is recognised as the finest pound-for-pound fighter of his generation.
“The baddest man on the planet” Tyson is considered among the most feared boxers of all time. He has a 50-6 career record, with 44 of the 50 victories being knockouts. In his last professional bout, Tyson had lost to Kevin McBride in 2005.
Jones Jr had retired from professional boxing in 2018 with a 66-9 with 47 knockouts.
WHAT MAKES TYSON RETURN
Once financially broke Tyson was compelled to return to the ring to stabilise himself monetarily. Speculation is again rife that what makes him agree for another comeback after a decade and a half since his last bout.
Now a successful businessman Tyson will certainly not fight for charity. But money is not the sole consideration for his decision to accept the challenger from Jones Jr.
The fight for Tyson will be a way to launch his new Legends Only League, which will feature athletes from different sports, according to Yahoo.com.
Facing Jones will give Tyson the opportunity to state his competitive desires while also helping to launch his new business. If it doesn’t work, it’s no big deal because he has plenty of money and plenty of successful businesses.
Now, to be fair, he’ll probably make a lot of money in this one, even though it’s going to be an exhibition bout with larger-than-normal gloves and a promise for them to not try to take the other’s head off.
TYSON OVERWHELMING FAVOURITE
Meanwhile, betting world is eagerly following the expected grand spectacle. According to BetOnline.ag, Tyson has already emerged as a big betting favorite, according to BetOnline.ag. He is opening up reportedly as the -350 favourite. That means gamblers would need to bet $350 on Tyson to win a $100 profit.
Roy is the +275 underdog, meaning a $100 bet will earn $275 if he wins.
The exhibition bout between Tyson and the 51-year-old Jones Jr will be contested across eight rounds. The veterans will battle it out with the larger than standard gloves.