Well, were you satisfied?
Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr don’t fight professionally anymore (and please let it stay that away), but the two boxing greats came into the ring and probably exceeded fan expectations in terms of entertainment value for their exhibition.
Inside Staples Center in Los Angeles, the former heavyweight champions went the full eight rounds (two minutes each) and while pretty much everyone sensible believed Tyson was the winner, the scorecards from the WBC’s unofficial judges Christy Martin, Vinny Pazienza, and Chad Dawson came out as a draw. Vinny Paz (a former RJJ opponent) scored it for Jones in some whacked out 80-76 score, Dawson had it 76-76, while Martin turned in a sensible 79-73 for Tyson. Perhaps it was always meant to be a draw. Officially there’s no winner declared and anyone upset about it really needs to chill. Besides, you’re used to shit judging in boxing in fights that actually matter.
Tyson was definitely lighter on his feet than Jones, whose best days were at middleweight through light heavyweight. “Iron” Mike clubbed Jones plenty of times with his trademark left hook, although he largely had more success going to the body than to the head. There was a lot of clinching, much of it initiated by Jones, and really the most notable shot he landed was a southpaw stance left hand just as round six drew to a close. Jones flashed some of his combination punching but it’s in the loosest sense of the word.
Probably the most Jones was hurt came in round four when a body shot got through and he backed up straight away. Vintage Tyson would’ve sensed this and ended it right there. Ancient Tyson in an exhibition? Not so much.
Will these two do it again? Both men were satisfied with the result and Jones indicated he wants to do another go-round with Tyson, and Tyson concurred that he doesn’t want to actually do licensed/sanctioned pro bouts anymore.