Roy Jones Jr was the final man to share a hoop with Mike Tyson.
The multi-weight world champion took half in an exhibition with ‘Iron’ Mike again in 2020, billed ‘Lockdown Knockdown.’ It was, as most exhibitions will likely be, scored a draw, however most felt Tyson was the winner and the punch stats counsel the identical.
Trying again on the battle in an interview with Shane Mosley, Jones mentioned Tyson was the toughest puncher he has ever confronted.
“Mike Tyson nonetheless the strongest puncher that I’ve ever been within the ring with. Ever. At 55 on the time, now I feel 57 is likely to be 58, he’s nonetheless the strongest puncher. First time he hit me in my chin I really feel like a mule had kicked me in my chest.”
The occasion was properly obtained and a superb instance of how exhibitions that includes retired fighters may be entertaining somewhat than unhappy. The undercard featured one Jake Paul, who will go a step additional and face Tyson in knowledgeable bout – albeit with softer guidelines – this coming November. The plans have obtained appreciable criticism given the 30-year age hole.
Nonetheless, Jones warned Paul that he gained’t have the ability to keep away from the previous undisputed heavyweight champion and will likely be pressured to interact. It’s one thing he feels the YouTuber-turner-fighter has bulked up in preparation for.
“If he’s at 230 that may make it very attention-grabbing … Jake’s not gonna battle shut, and he can’t keep away from him trigger Mike will shut the hole too fast. I believed I may keep away from him, I couldn’t – and I do know I’m higher at staying away from individuals than Jake is.
That’s why Jake put the burden on, trigger he is aware of he’s not gonna have the ability to keep away from him. He’s hoping he’ll be muscly sufficient to push him backwards and hold him off him, however he gained’t have the ability to keep away from him.”
Requested if Tyson was too outdated to get shut, or if Paul’s youth will enable him to push the 58-year-old again, Jones mentioned no.
“None of that’s the case … In case you can push him again and also you’re sufficiently big that’s a good suggestion trigger he doesn’t battle as properly going again as going forwards … however you’ve by no means been hit like that earlier than, so we’ve received to see.”