Mike Tyson vows to ignore KO rule in violent warning to Roy Jones Jr
Boxing
By
Mirror
| Aug 03, 2020
Mike Tyson is set to throw the rule book out of the window after vowing to KO Roy Jones Jr.
The two faded ring legends will clash in an eight-round exhibition bout on September 12 - but have been banned from hurting each other.
The rivals have been told to treat the bout as a sparring session with the referee ready to jump in if violence breaks out.
There will also be no ringside judges and therefore no winner of a bout which will cost $50 to watch for American fans.
But Tyson insists he is ready to ignore the rules and look to add another knockout to his impressive record.
READ MORE
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
AFC usher 60th anniversary celebrations in style
Man wants court to scrap mandatory retirement age of 60
How has Kenya changed in 60 years
British colonial plan to wipe out Kenyans that came a cropper
Jamhuri and sale of false hope
There is much to be hopeful for despite wasted opportunities
"If the opportunity comes, I'm always looking for it," he told TMZ.
"This is search and destroy and I'm looking forward to recapturing my glory."
Although the California State Athletic Commission has sanctioned the bout, the green light came with caveats.
"The (CSAC) is licensing the Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr match scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in September as an eight-round exhibition match," the commission told Sky Sports.
"In this match, the referee will have the authority to stop the fight if it strays outside the boundaries of a competitive boxing exhibition.
"Mr. Tyson and Mr. Jones Jr will have to submit all CSAC medical tests for fighters over 40 as well as CSAC's emergency regulations that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19."
But despite the warning, Jones, who is 51 to Tyson's 54, expects to be facing a dangerous man in the opposite corner.
"I understand because Mike doesn't just look like a killer he is a killer," he said.
"If Mike doesn't kill quick he's fighting one of the smartest savviest guys to ever do the thing, if he don't kill quick he's in trouble. 'If you don't kill right away what are you going to do? I seen all those smoking videos don't think I don't know what's going on, I'm not stupid."