
Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight results, highlights: Legends fight to a draw in exhibition match -

The Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. exhibition match took place on November 28, 2020, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. It was one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of boxing, drawing significant attention due to both fighters’ legendary status. Here’s a breakdown of the fight results, key highlights, and the aftermath:
Fight Details:
- Date: November 28, 2020
- Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
- Event Type: Exhibition match (non-competitive, no official winner)
- Rounds: 8 rounds (2 minutes per round)
- Referee: Ray Corona
- Judges’ Scorecards: The fight was scored as a split draw by the three ringside judges.
Fight Outcome:
- Result: The match ended in a split draw, with one judge scoring the fight 76-76, and the other two judges ruling in favor of Tyson, 79-73, and Jones, 77-75. However, because this was an exhibition bout, the result did not officially count on either fighter’s professional record. The draw was symbolic, with neither boxer being officially declared a winner.
Key Highlights:
- Tyson’s Aggression: Despite being 54 years old at the time, Mike Tyson showed flashes of his old aggressive style. The former heavyweight champion, known for his explosive knockout power, was still able to land some solid punches, particularly with his left hook and body shots. He was more aggressive in the earlier rounds, trying to pressure Jones with his typical forward-moving style.
- Jones’ Movement and Boxing Skills: At 51, Roy Jones Jr. showcased his legendary boxing ability, employing his signature speed and head movement to avoid Tyson’s heavier punches. Jones, known for his elusiveness and unorthodox fighting style, used his footwork and quick jabs to keep Tyson at bay, especially as the fight went into the later rounds.
- Both Fighters Showing Respect: Throughout the fight, Tyson and Jones were respectful of each other, not engaging in any serious exchanges after the bell or making it a hard-hitting, knock-out oriented battle. It was clear that both fighters were pacing themselves due to their age, though Tyson looked to be the more active and powerful of the two in the opening rounds.
- Tyson’s Pressure in Early Rounds: Tyson, who was the more naturally powerful puncher, came out strong, particularly in the first two rounds, landing a few solid blows. He was the aggressor, forcing Jones to box defensively and keep his distance. Tyson’s conditioning seemed solid for an exhibition match, with him not visibly tiring early on.
- Jones’ Counterattack: As the fight wore on, Roy Jones Jr. relied more on his counterpunching skills, using his footwork to create angles and land combinations. While he couldn’t match Tyson in terms of power, his speed and boxing IQ allowed him to stay competitive, particularly as the fight progressed.
- Physical Condition of Both Fighters: Both Tyson and Jones were in impressive physical shape for men of their ages. Tyson, while showing some wear in terms of endurance towards the end, still had noticeable power in his punches. Jones, on the other hand, appeared quick and sharp, though his speed was lessened compared to his prime years.
- No Knockdowns: There were no knockdowns in the fight, though there were moments where Tyson’s punches appeared to shake Jones. Neither fighter seemed in danger of being stopped, though Tyson did seem the more dominant presence in the earlier stages.
Why It Was an Exhibition Match:
The Tyson vs. Jones bout was classified as an exhibition for several reasons:
- Rules: The fight was fought under a set of rules that were designed to prevent excessive harm. The rounds were shortened to 2 minutes instead of the usual 3-minute rounds in professional boxing. Additionally, the fighters were required to wear headgear, although Tyson and Jones chose to fight without it.
- No Official Winner: There was no official winner or loser in the fight. While the judges’ scorecards were provided, the outcome was considered a friendly exhibition with no formal title or championship at stake.
- Physical Condition: Both fighters were well past their primes and in their 50s, which made this more of a nostalgic and entertainment-focused event rather than a serious professional contest.
Reaction to the Fight:
- Fans’ Reactions: The fight was widely viewed as an entertaining spectacle rather than a competitive showdown. Fans were curious to see how two legends of the sport would fare after such a long break from professional boxing. For many, the fight was a trip down memory lane to the 80s and 90s, when Tyson and Jones were at their peak.
- Tyson’s Post-Fight Comments: After the fight, Tyson spoke about feeling good physically and mentioned he was ready to take on more challenges if the opportunity arose, though he expressed that he was just happy to get back in the ring. He showed a great deal of respect for Jones and said, “I respect him like a brother.”
- Jones’ Thoughts: Jones also shared his respect for Tyson and said that the fight was a fun and competitive challenge. Jones mentioned in interviews that Tyson’s power was still evident, but he was able to survive the contest with his defensive abilities.
Aftermath: What’s Next for Tyson and Jones?
- Mike Tyson’s Future: Following the fight, Tyson expressed a desire to return to the ring for more exhibitions or even potential professional bouts. Tyson’s resurgence in the boxing world has generated much interest, and many believe he could still attract significant pay-per-view sales for another match.
- Roy Jones Jr.’s Future: Jones, who had also hinted at continuing his boxing career, did not seem interested in pursuing a return to competitive fighting after the exhibition match. However, he did indicate that he would consider further exhibition matches if the right opponent and circumstances presented themselves.
- Exhibition Trend: The Tyson vs. Jones exhibition highlighted the growing trend of older boxers or retired athletes coming out of retirement for exhibition and money-making events, often driven by nostalgia and the financial rewards of such bouts. Other figures, like Floyd Mayweather, have followed a similar path, with bouts against other high-profile individuals.
Conclusion:
The Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. exhibition match will be remembered as a nostalgic spectacle that brought two boxing legends together for an entertaining and relatively low-stakes fight. Though neither fighter was expected to exhibit the ferocity of their prime years, they both delivered an entertaining display that reminded fans of their greatness in the ring. Tyson’s raw power and Jones’ boxing finesse were on full display, and while the official result was a draw, the true victory was in the shared respect between the two fighters and the continued love of boxing history.
If you’re curious about any other details regarding this fight or the careers of Tyson and Jones, feel free to ask!