M. Tyson (left) was superior to R. Jones Jr. (right) in the superfight in Las Vegas. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @@BTSportBoxing
There was no knockout, but who expected to see Mike Tyson back in the ring and showing some of the aggression that made him famous in boxing, he did not disappoint. This Saturday (28), in Los Angeles (USA), the former world champion in the 'noble art' returned to action against the also legendary Roy Jones Jr. and it didn't look bad for a 54-year-old fighter. During eight rounds, the 'Iron Man' showed great desire and was superior to his rival in every round. As announced before the fight, there was no winner announced as it was an exhibition match and a draw was declared.
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Known as one of the best boxers of all time, Mike showed sharp reflexes and even surprised Jones with powerful blows, especially to the waist line. As the fight progressed, Roy showed signs of tiredness, while Tyson continued looking for a straight fight.
This weekend's superfight marked the return of the two former champions to the ring after years of inactivity. Tyson had not performed since 2005, while Roy had last fought in February 2018.
After the fight, the athletes exchanged compliments and Mike suggested a rematch. Roy smiled and said he would think about it with his family.
The fight
In the first round, Tyson took the initiative, trying to close the distance. Throwing jabs and straight shots, the athlete tried to intimidate Jones, who was playing high guard. Over time, Tyson threw his famous combination of straight, cross and hook from the waist line. Jones seemed intimidated and clung to Mike with every attack from the former heavyweight champion.
In the second stage, Mike continued to be more aggressive. In the opening seconds, the athlete launched punch combinations, but the action stopped when Jones returned to the clinch. Sometimes, the referee had to interrupt the duel to keep the athletes away. But Tyson continued to look for open striking.
The third round, Mike continued to take the initiative. Visibly excited, Tyson tried to hurt Jones with powerful hooks and crosses. Jones had good moments, letting his guard down and trying to mislead Tyson, but the 'Iron Man' remained focused.
As in previous rounds, Jones remained at a disadvantage in the fourth. The multi-time champion showed signs of fatigue and threw ineffectual blows. Tyson responded with combinations and tried to force his rival to give up. With each attack from Mike, Jones looked for the clinch.
More tired, Jones started to 'tie up' the confrontation. At some points in the sixth stage, the fighter let his guard down and tried to provoke Tyson. The former heavyweight champion was not intimidated and continued chasing Roy around the ring. While Mike wanted the fight, Jones stopped his opponent's intentions.
With the (virtual) victory assured, Tyson depended solely on himself to morally emerge with a positive result. Needing to show off his weapons more, Jones chose to remain on defense and just absorb 'Iron Man's' attacks.
In the last round, Mike didn't slow down. The athlete continued trying to show his superiority, while Jones, exhausted, just resisted. The confrontation continued until the bell sounded.
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