“The body shots have definitely taken a toll,” said Jones, the former four-division world champion who is widely recognized as the most skilled boxer of his generation. “It’s something to take the punches Mike throws. I’m cool with a tie. Maybe we can do it again.”
Mike Tyson returned to the ring for the first time in 15 years.Recognition:Getty Images
Jones went to the ring wearing gloves and swimming trunks to honor Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, while Tyson wore his signature all-black swimming trunks. After the traditional pre-fight pomp and an introduction from Michael Buffer, the 50-year-olds came out and threw punches that echoed their glorious primes.
They were also often handcuffed inside, and their occasional labored breathing could be heard on the microphones in the empty arena.
Hip-hop star Snoop Dogg’s hilarious television commentary was one of the loudest noises in the venue, and he had a handful of zingers: “It’s like two of my uncles are fighting over a barbecue!”
Snoop Dogg commented on the fight.Recognition:Getty Images
Tyson and Jones headlined the most unlikely pay-per-view boxing event in years, developed by social networking app Triller, which features fights with hip-hop appearances in an empty arena.
The event was derided by some critics as an anti-sports spectacle, but both Tyson and Jones appeared able and confident to behave. The fans were clearly in love, and the show received tremendous attention on social media.
“I hit you with a couple of good shots and you did it,” said Tyson. “I respect that.”
Jake Paul hits against Nate Robinson.Recognition:Getty Images
In the co-main event, YouTube star Jake Paul knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson and stopped in the second round of Robinson’s pro boxing debut. Paul recorded three losses to Robinson, the three-time NBA slam dunk champion, in his second professional fight before an overhand right laid Robinson flat on his face and apparently passed out.
Tyson retired from boxing in 2005, saying he had “the fighting guts or the heart” longer after quitting a dismal loss to journeyman Peter McBride. Finally free from the relentless pressures of his sport, Tyson gradually straightened his life, stepped against a self-described drug addiction, and eventually managed to live a comfortable family life with his third wife in Las Vegas and their children.
The idea of a boxing comeback seemed absurd, but Tyson began this unlikely fight a few years ago when, at his wife’s insistence, he played 15 minutes a day on a treadmill in an attempt to lose 45 pounds. Workouts soon became multi-hour affairs that included biking, running, and eventually beating as he regained high levels of athletic performance through discipline and a vegan diet.
Tyson posted a video hitting Pads on social media at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and the overwhelming public response resulted in several lucrative ring comeback offers. With the chance to make money for himself and for charity, Tyson eventually agreed – but he had to find an opponent.
Jones fought steadily well into the late 40s but thought he was done with the sport after winning his last fight in 2018. He couldn’t resist the chance to face Tyson – the big guys never met during their first professional careers because Tyson was a heavyweight and Jones was mostly a light heavyweight.
Tyson and Jones negotiated the limits of their fight with the California commission and eventually achieved eight two-minute rounds of tough sparring with only ceremonial judgments and no official winner. The WBC was still stepping in to give both fighters a ceremonial “Frontline Battle Belt”.
AP
Mostly seen in sports
Loading
