Tyson-Jones Jr. mega exhibition bout ruled a draw

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Two of boxing’s legends, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr., slugged it out in an exhibition boxing match which ended up in a draw.

At a combined age of 105, both fighters managed to put on a show with Tyson pulling off several power punches while Jones Jr. exhibited great stamina despite having chronically bad knees.

Unable to move laterally like he did in his prime, Jones was forced to hold on to the ropes after Tyson connected on several body shots.

“The body shots definitely took a toll,” Jones said. “The body shots are what make you exhausted. I knew that. I had a six-pack but I think I needed a 12-pack.”

However, Jones Jr. connected on several counter-punches after a heavy Tyson flurry which made things interesting and kept the fight close.

Flashes of their old selves were evident at the start of the seventh round when both tried to go deep and test each other’s chins but both fighters were clearly exhausted at that point.

The scoring wasn’t announced, but one judge had it for Tyson, another for Jones and the third had it a draw.

“The body shots definitely took a toll. It’s something to take the punches that Mike throws. I’m cool with a draw. Maybe we can do it again,” said Jones Jr.