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The expected return of Mike Tyson to the ring stole the fight scene this Saturday (28) in Los Angeles (USA). Without competing since 2005, the former world heavyweight champion ignored the rules that only provided for an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. and took off early on. Despite being both far from the peak that marked their victorious careers, the dispute was lively and surprised those who expected little of the veterans.
Playing most of the time defensively, RJJ also came in willing to show that his world titles in five different weight classes were no accident. However, even with a good footwork, the veteran, who tried to win the fight early by betting on a possible fatigue of the rival in the eight rounds provided for by the special regulations, was overshadowed by the power of the opponent’s attacks.
At the end of the race, Tyson’s lead did not guarantee victory and no winner was announced, as previously stipulated by the California Athletic Commission. In fact, the 54-year-old former heavyweight champion of the world was superior in at least six of the rounds. Owner of the center of the ring, ‘Iron Mike’ showed great form and, guided by Brazilian Rafael Cordeiro, did not stop walking forward despite his fatigue.
With the right to illustrious presences who worked during the undercard, such as singer Snoop Dogg, responsible for the main event presentation show, and UFC champion Israel Adesanya, who acted as a commentator, the dispute took place in the famous gym. Staples Center.
The struggle
In the opening seconds, Mike dominated the center of the ring and with his usual gait, he hung on either side before alternating powerful left jabs with hooks to his body. In turn, Roy Jones Jr. walked around the ring and attacked with timid jabs, clearly trying to tire his opponent.
In the next stage, RJJ clinched the former heavyweight champion multiple times and absorbed multiple hooks into his body. More active and forceful, Tyson, however, began to feel the lack of fighting rhythm and finished the round breathing out of breath.
More fully, Roy showed the speed that made him famous in the ring in the third round. With each approach of the opponent, jabs and mainly short left hooks began to hit Tyson’s face more frequently. In the decisive moments, the former heavyweight champion no longer had the same attacking power.
The fourth round was marked by the explosion of ‘Iron Mike’. Wasting no time, he stepped forward at all times and pressed Roy, who seemed surprised by the return of his opponent’s aggression.
In the fifth round, with the two athletes more tired and with less speed in their attacks, the dispute was played in the center of the ring, which favored Tyson. Owner of more powerful attacks, the veteran again undermined with hooks to the body, in addition to hitting a left cross that echoed in the empty Los Angeles gym.
The sixth stage was the most surprising. Despite not competing since 2005, Mike Tyson kept up the pressure and tired the opponent who, curiously, planned to prolong the fight by betting on a supposed physical advantage. Nothing was done, and once again we saw how the power of the rival dominated the actions.
In the next round, however, it was the RJJ speed combo’s turn to act. With hitherto unprecedented sequences of up to four attacks, the multi-champion momentarily contained the aggressiveness of his rival, who was looking for the clinch.
The latest robbery, in itself, would be worth it if the public were allowed in. Aware that there would be no winner if the confrontation reached the end of the scheduled time, the two fifty exchanged blows. A beautiful presentation of two sports legends!
See all the results of the card:
Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. tied;
Jake Paul knockout Nate Robinson no 2nd round;
Badou Jack defeated Blake McKernan by unanimous decision;
Jamaine Ortiz knockout Sulaiman Segawa no 7th round;
Irvin González defeated Edward Vasquez by split decision;
Juiseppe Cusumano knocked out Gregory Corbin in the sixth round.
