Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. faced Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout in 2020. Remember that one? It was a draw, but did it settle the itch for Tyson fans? Apparently not. Iron Mike is stepping back into the ring, this time against a much younger opponent. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to fight Tyson on July 20th at the AT&T stadium in Texas.
Can Jake Paul match Mike Tyson’s might? What does Roy Jones Jr. think about this unusual pairing? His insight sheds light on a fight bridging generations and apparently, it’s “beautiful”.
Can ‘The Problem Child’ Land a Punch on Mike Tyson?
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In an enlightening conversation on Fox News, the dialogue opened with warmth. “Roy, good morning. It’s great to have you on,” the interviewer greeted. They quickly delved into Roy Jones Jr’s past encounter with Mike Tyson. “It was declared a draw. Tell us about that experience fighting Tyson and what do you think Jake Paul is up against here?” they inquired.
'We signed the contract.' @netflix @MostVpromotions tions #PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/1H97Epxnkp
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 7, 2024
Roy Jones Jr, drawing from his vast experience, didn’t hesitate. “Well, it was an experience,” he began, setting the stage for his insights. He painted Tyson as a force of nature, unmitigated by time. “Mike Tyson is still one of the most devastating people on the planet,” Jones emphasized. His admiration for Tyson’s enduring prowess was clear as he said, “He’s still the person that everything will stop to see what he does.”
He acknowledged Jake Paul’s achievements but highlighted the immense challenge ahead. “So for me, it’s gonna be tough for Jake to hit him… But it’s gonna be very difficult to put a glove on Mike Tyson’s chin,” Jones admitted while underlining the peril Jake Paul faces. He added, “And if Mike Tyson hits your chin first, it still spells trouble.”
Jones Jr. sees inspiration in the stories of Tyson, Paul, and Conor McGregor
The second interviewer shifted the focus to concerns beyond the sport. “Are you worried for Jake Paul’s safety in this fight?” they asked, probing the ethical considerations of such a mismatch.
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Roy Jones Jr.’s response was candid and reflective. “I am worried for his safety,” he confessed, revealing his relief at measures like headgear to mitigate risks. His perspective wasn’t just about the physical matchup but also about the broader impact of the fight. “Shoutout to Jake too, though, because Jake made this thing happen. This is something that the world will love to see because it makes two worlds come together. When you see guys like this get their blessing in life or gift in life, that’s a beautiful thing.”
The former light heavyweight champion wrapped his thoughts with a philosophical touch, likening the fight to life’s unpredictable but beautiful journey. He said, “Look where Mike’s come from, and look where Mike’s today. Headlining still at 58 years old. Look what Jake come from and look where Jake is today.”
He then invoked Conor McGregor’s rags-to-riches story as a beacon of hope. “These stories are absolutely marvelous. These stories continue to show us that God has to exist… Conor McGregor, one of my favorite people, come from a plumber to look where he is today,“ Jones mused, seeing the fight as a narrative of triumph and testament to the human spirit.
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What do you think—will this match redefine the boundaries of the sport, or will it serve as a mere spectacle?