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Mike Tyson throws a punch in the seventh round against Roy Jones Jr. during Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. presented by Triller at Staples Center on November 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Joe Scarnici / Getty Images for Triller / AFP
Mike Tyson plans to fight more exhibitions after a draw with Roy Jones Jr. on Saturday on his comeback at age 54 and Jones says it will be tough to beat.
“I’m happy that I wasn’t knocked out or anything. I’ll be better next time, ”Tyson said after the eight-round display at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
“I could have done everything better. God willing, I’ll be better at the next show. “
The showdown of the former heavyweight champions saw Jones, 51, thinking he won the fight, but impressed by the stamina and strength displayed by Tyson.
“I was surprised that he could go eight rounds,” Jones said. “He could go with anyone. If it connects, you will have a problem. He can do whatever he wants “.
A three-judge panel scored a draw in the fight, with no details being announced, but Jones didn’t care as much about that result.
“I thought I had won the fight, I hit better and controlled the fight, but I’m fine with a draw,” Jones said. “We both did well and everyone was entertained.”
Tyson hopes to stage more bouts, up to one every two months to keep fit, mentioning possible venues like Monaco or France.
“Anything is possible. The sky is the limit,” Tyson said. “I am able to help many people around the world.”
Tyson, who hadn’t stepped into the ring in a fight in 15 years, said he doesn’t see his comeback as an ego effort, as he has dropped 100 pounds to get in fighting shape.
“I don’t think it’s a midlife crisis for me,” Tyson said. “I think it’s my ego and my ego tells me to do things that I am afraid to do. I am very happy that I did this. I will do it again. “
Away from the “Iron Mike” of their dominant days as heavyweight champions of the late 1980s, Tyson delights more in going the distance than aiming for knockouts.
“I was happy to go far with him. That’s really fighting, having the stamina, ”Tyson said. “You are not going to knock out everyone. I used to go for the quick kill. Now I’m training for distance. “
“I don’t expect to win. I hope to do eight rounds and entertain the crowd. “
Even with rounds shortened to two minutes and gloves larger than usual in safety moves ordered by state boxing officials, Tyson was able to produce more than enough punching power for Jones, who held onto Tyson for much of the fight.
“I’m happy to cross this off my wish list,” Jones said. “Everything hurts when it makes contact and it makes you very tired. I think I felt the uppercut more. My jaw still feels it. “
Tyson says he has modest goals and simple needs these days as he long ago put aside the need for mansions, boats, cars, drugs and a wild lifestyle and now favors his ability to raise money for charities like the support for needy youth.
“The old Mike Tyson is no more,” he said. “This is a better cause for me. I am here for a purpose.
“I never liked who he was. I like who I am now. “
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