Roy Jones, Jr. Is Having Second Thoughts About Fighting Mike Tyson; “I Made a Mistake Going In With Him”

It looks Roy Jones Jr. may have reviewed the 1997 footage of Mike Tyson taking a bite out of Evander Holyfield’s ear and had a change of heart about their November exhibition match.

“He’s still Mike Tyson. He’s still one of the strongest, most explosive people who ever touched a boxing ring,” Jones revealed to Sky Sports. “If anything, I made a mistake going in with him. He’s the bigger guy, he’s the explosive guy. He’s going to have all the first-round fireworks, not me.”

The 51-year-old who is two years out of retirement continued, saying,” I do have first-round fireworks, but he’s known for more first-round fireworks than anybody to ever touch boxing, other than maybe George Foreman. With him having the first-round fireworks, he’ll be against a guy smaller than him, maybe 40-50 pounds smaller than him.”

The fight, which is scheduled for November 28th, is a part of Tyson’s Legends Only League, which supports older athletes who are making their comeback to sports. The league is looking to reintroduce boxers and other athletes, which will bring “the best of the best back into the ring, onto the court, and back on the field.”

54-year-old Tyson has been training vigorously for the matchup, as documented on his social media, where videos of his workouts have been posted, showcasing his immaculate speed and punching power.

“I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring. I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape,” Tyson explained to rapper T.I. during an Instagram Live session earlier this month. “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,” he added.

Despite his doubts, Jones says that the show must go on for their fans’ sake.

“When it comes time to fight, we’re going to fight,” he said. “If it comes down to bite, we’re going to bite. Whatever has to happen is going to happen. That’s just what it is.”

Both Jones and Tyson are considered boxing legends. Jones ended his career with 66 wins and nine losses, while Tyson retired with a 50-6 record, including 44 knockouts.