The legendary Tyson vs. Jones Jr. match that ended in a draw [ESPN SportsCenter official Twitter capture] [Image source = Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] The dazzling matchup between 'Iron Fist' Mike Tyson (54) and 'Superman' Roy Jones Jr. ended in a lackluster, dull fight.
On the 29th (Korean time), Tyson recorded a draw in the professional boxing legend match against Roy Jones Jr. held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, USA.
This match marked Tyson's return to the ring after 15 years since his retirement in 2005. With the legendary 'Iron Fist' making a comeback, not only fans but Tyson himself drew attention by losing a staggering 45 kg and entering the match at a weight (100.2 kg) similar to when he became the heavyweight champion at the age of 20, 34 years ago.
The opponent was no less formidable. Jones Jr., a silver medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, was a powerful fighter who, based on his superhuman physical abilities that earned him the nickname 'Superman,' had conquered four weight classes: middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight since turning professional.
However, the showdown between the two legends ended somewhat blandly. The match, held with consideration for the two fighters in their 50s, was conducted as 8 rounds of 2 minutes each, and Tyson's signature overwhelming power 'Iron Fist' did not appear. Jones responded passively by clinching or wrapping his arms around Tyson to avoid effective punches, eventually receiving a warning from the referee in the 4th round.
Domestic fans who had hoped for the return of Tyson's trademark 'Iron Fist' expressed disappointment, saying, "The match was underwhelming." Legendary boxer Hong Soo-hwan, who provided commentary for the comeback fight and is known as the 'Myth of 4 Wins and 5 Attempts,' criticized, "It would have been better not to have this kind of match."
The World Boxing Council (WBC) judges also ruled the match a draw. Since this was an unofficial match, no winner or loser was declared after the fight, but due to the meeting of these two giants, such a decision was made unofficially.
Although the match content was disappointing, Tyson received a fight purse of 10 million dollars (approximately 11 billion KRW) for the fight. Jones took home up to 3 million dollars (approximately 3.3 billion KRW). Tyson announced in a pre-fight interview that he plans to donate all of his fight money.
He emphasized the meaning of this match by saying, "There is no need to be jealous that I will become rich from this event. I will donate all the proceeds," and added, "(Donating) is more important than winning the fight."
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