Mike Tyson to face Roy Jones Jr in eight-round exhibition fight

Mike Tyson to face Roy Jones Jr in eight-round exhibition fight

Mike Tyson to face Roy Jones Jr in eight-round exhibition fight

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr will return to the ring for an eight-round exhibition fight on September 12 in Los Angeles.

Tyson, 54, and Jones, 51, are legends of American boxing but will be making shock comebacks, although it is expected they will wear headgear and use larger gloves.

Jones Jr posted on social media: "I am happy that this fight between me and Mike Tyson will happen! I was always ready and will be ready this time as well."

The California State Athletic Commission told Sky Sports: "The (CSAC) is licensing the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr match scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in September as an eight-round exhibition match.

"In this match, the referee will have the authority to stop the fight if it strays outside the boundaries of a competitive boxing exhibition.

"Mr. Tyson and Mr. Jones Jr will have to submit all CSAC medical tests for fighters over 40 as well as CSAC's emergency regulations that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19."

Iconic former heavyweight champion Tyson has been posting ferocious clips of himself in training over the past few months fuelling speculation of a first fight since 2005.

Jones Jr, a four-weight world champion, won fights in 2017 and 2018 in what was his 75th pro fight.

Jones Jr told sports.ru: "I had no intention of going back and fighting again but, for the sake of Mike Tyson, I agree to make an exception.

"For me, this is an opportunity that I cannot refuse. Of all those who wanted to go into the ring with him, he chose me. And since he did that, how can I say no?"

It had initially been considered that Tyson would fight his great rival Evander Holyfield, now 57, in an exhibition.

Holyfield told Sky Sports News earlier this year: "I wouldn't ask nobody to do anything they don't want to do. But it's for charity. If we can work something out that works for everybody then it's a win-win-win."

Tyson previously said: "I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff."

But he will instead face Jones Jr who enjoyed legendary victories over the likes of James Toney and Bernard Hopkins in the 1990s.