Tyson’s ‘nuclear fist’ ended in fifteen years after a tough fight

Mike Tyson (54) and Roy Jones Jr. (51) from ‘Superman’ face off? If it were 20 years ago, it would be a showdown that would have heated the world beyond professional boxing. Tyson became one of the greatest stars in professional boxing history after becoming the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20 in 1986 with an overwhelming blow. Jones Jr., a former elite boxer who was a silver medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, won four weight classes including medium, super medium, light heavy and heavy based on his superhuman physical ability to be called ‘superman’ after to start as a professional. Both players are definitive ‘legends’ whose names are always mentioned when selecting the best players in the history of professional boxing.

However, the showdown between the two legends in 2020 was not in bad taste. They recorded a tie in a two-minute eighth round at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on the 29th. Both players were in their 50s, and Tyson had a 15-year ring gap and Jones Jr. had a ring gap. about two years old, so there were concerns that it would be a refreshing “memory” game. However, there are not few fans who expect a high quality game because it is a showdown between legends who have splendidly decorated the history of professional boxing.

However, immediately after the start of the game, concerns, not expectations, came true. In the wake of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19), the game took place without spectators, so it was quite fortunate that there was a defenseless game that could disappoint fans. The player who disappointed the fans even more was Jones Jr. Unlike Tyson, who stepped forward and struck to preserve his unique fighting style from the first round, Jones Jr. was in a hurry to flee so as not to allow a good blow to his opponent. . When Tyson got into hitting range, instead of countering back, he delayed time with a clinch followed by a rotated arm.

Tyson was unable to defeat Jones Jr. in the end. Sometimes I hit hard, but the speed didn’t support me and I couldn’t surprise my opponent. In the second half, both players ran hard and the game was even slower.

Since today’s match is an unofficial match, the winners and losers were not selected after the match. However, the World Boxing Council (WBC) declared a tie after forming an informal scorer with three former boxers. “We have to fight one more time,” Tyson said in an interview after the game. Jones Jr. also said, “I’m never satisfied with the tie” and “I think I’ve won enough.” However, his belated desire to compete amid a frowning fanfare only sounded empty.

Still, the two players made huge sums selling their fan souvenirs. According to Yahoo Sports in the United States, Tyson receives a guarantee of $ 10 million (approximately 11 billion won). Jones will receive Fight Money up to $ 3 million (approximately 3,315 million won) if $ 1 million sales incentives and Pay TV are included.

Reporter Pilwoong Seo [email protected]