There have been many sporting events in 2020 that can be described as appropriate for the times. From developing a bubble to finish the NBA season to hosting football games in empty stadiums that seat over 100,000 people, the word bizarre is replacing the word normal. Of all the abnormalities making a home in the world of sports, the boxing match between “Iron” Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. seems as if it is something that should be happening when it probably shouldn’t. While all signs point toward this being a car crash, who’s to say this won’t be fantastic because why not?
With the California State Athletic Commission claiming this is nothing more than an exhibition bout, Tyson and Jones have consistently stated it is more than that. At face value, the sanctioning body and the competitors not agreeing on what tonight’s event really is does not sound good. At the same time, that could make the whole fiasco that much more of a must-see attraction. While the CSAC insists on the use of larger 12-ounce gloves with no clear winner after the fact, the WBC has openly claimed there will be a winner who receives a belt for their efforts. It’s safe to say the pure uncertainty behind this clash of boxing legends will be the biggest driver of viewership.
The fact that this fight is happening is absurd in the first place, so the unanswered questions surrounding the event speaks volumes. Think about it, a 54-year-old phenom who hasn’t fought in 15 years is taking on a 51-year-old legend who fought only two years ago. It sounds somewhat okay until you realize that Tyson was embarrassed in what many people thought was his last contest. For some reason, Tyson was upset about the CSAC implementing two-minute rounds instead of the typical three-minute rounds that most boxing matches have in place. While Jones Jr. wasn’t thrilled, his belief that he is a clear favorite has kept him calm. Jones Jr. isn’t considered a favorite for tonight’s fight, but there’s reason to think he has a chance to have a good showing.
As both competitors recently passed VADA administered drug tests, speculation remains high when it comes to just how strict VADA was with their testing. With Tyson able to have marijuana in his system, it’s tough to not question what else these two older gentlemen will be on. While the track records of both men are respected by people worldwide, the chance that this “exhibition match” is a total train wreck is cause for concern. Early numbers suggest tonight’s event will get a lot of attention; let’s hope they keep it on the tracks and avoid the worst.
This charity match is something that Tyson has wanted to do for years, which gives hope to the fans worried that this won’t be fun to watch. On the other side of things, Jones Jr. has gone on record stating what matching up with Tyson means to him. If we take these men and their desires seriously, our ability to enjoy this event will remain intact.
