Less than a day is left before one of the most anticipated boxing fights in recent years, in which ex-absolute world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and former world champion in five weight categories Roy Jones Jr. will meet.
The return to the ring of two legendary athletes in the fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Frontline Battle Belt is eagerly awaited not only by fans, but also by representatives of the world of martial arts.
Thus, the former WBC first heavyweight boxing champion Grigory Drozd noted the special character of Tyson and Jones, which allowed them to achieve heights in sports.
“Each of us and those who are familiar with sports know these boxers.
The fire inside is a character trait, without it they would not have become the champions they are.
They went through a huge number of camps.
To drive yourself into the conditions in which you were before means courage, strength and motivation.
A legendary and historical event awaits us ", - quotes Drozd" Championship ".
I paid tribute to both boxers and the absolute world champion according to the versions of the WBC, the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) Teofimo Lopez.
“I'm glad for them, really.
I'm glad that at their age they continue to work and look amazing.
I would like both to win, but it never happens.
But I think the fans will win this evening.
I look forward to this fight, "- quotes the words of Lopez talkSPORT.
At the same time, there is an opposite point of view.
Former undisputed world light welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu admitted that he did not understand how this fight would go.
He expressed the hope that both opponents will do without injuries, although, according to him, one accurate blow will be enough for Tyson to win.
“For me, this is not a complete battle, although everything will be for real.
I don’t understand at all how you can box not for real?
How can you beat half-heartedly?
At one time, the Tyson - Jones duel could be called "the fight of the century", but now it is definitely not.
On the other hand, you can call it whatever you like.
The main goal of the organizers is to present it correctly and sell at a higher price.
I don't want such battles to take place.
It's a business for them, but I don't quite understand it, ”Tszyu said.
It is worth noting that until recently, the rules of this meeting included a ban on knockouts.
This was supposed to help veterans of the sport avoid serious injury.
Only a few days ago it became known that this restriction had been lifted.
In addition, the fight will continue if one of its participants bleeds.
Former world heavyweight champion, now State Duma deputy Nikolai Valuev suggested that adjusting the rules was just a PR move, which the organizers resorted to to attract even more attention to the battle.
He also urged fans not to hope that Tyson and Jones will demonstrate the same level as at the peak of their careers.
“If you look at this fight as a meeting of veterans, it is a historic battle.
It's hard not to admit it.
But I will give you an example: when Denis Lebedev met with Jones, I perfectly understood the consequences.
It turned out that way - it was on the verge of disappointment.
It is not entirely clear what made Roy climb into the ring against a young, promising and full of strength boxer.
In our case, of course, the odds are equalized due to age.
Each of the fighters has a chance to win - that is why it is interesting to follow this, "Valuev said.
Former world champion in two weight categories David Haye gave a more specific forecast.
In his opinion, Jones is the favorite of the confrontation.
Not only age speaks in his favor, but also the relatively recent end of his career.
“With Roy Jones, there will be eight two-minute rounds, or whatever they will box ... I think Mike Tyson will be given the opportunity to show his former power twice a round for five to ten seconds.
It is unlikely that there will be many series of blows on his part.
After the first one, he will need some time to catch his breath, "- quotes Haye Essentially Sports.
Recall that 54-year-old Tyson had his last fight 15 years ago.
Then he lost by technical knockout to the Irishman Kevin McBride.
51-year-old Jones entered the ring quite recently compared to his opponent.
In February 2018, he defeated American Scott Sigmon in the fight for the World Boxing Union (WBU) championship belt in the first heavyweight division.
That a slight advantage will be on the side of Jones, and former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Tony Bellew suggested.
According to the Briton, Roy Jones will not only be better at calculating the opponent's actions, but also use quick strikes.
At the same time, Bellew paid tribute to Tyson.
“They, in my opinion, are both legendary, iconic fighters.
Mike Tyson is the idol of my childhood, and Roy Jones Jr., in my humble opinion, is the greatest boxer of all time ...
Even if they were at least 100 years old, I would still watch this fight.
But, as I said, as soon as one somehow offends the other, a fight ensues - everything is so simple, ”talkSPORT quotes Bellew.
At the same time, ex-world champion in six weight categories, Oscar de la Hoya, did not agree with the opinion of his colleagues.
He compared the upcoming fight with the fight between Teofimo Lopez and Vasily Lomachenko, which ended with the victory of the larger American.
“Look, I like both of them.
But in boxing - and I think Teofimo proved it - a good bigger fighter always wins over a good smaller fighter.
So I bet on Tyson, although I wouldn't be surprised if Roy Jones Jr. does something that has always been characteristic of him throughout his career, "said de la Hoya.
Former WBC and WBO champion Dillian White is also confident in Tyson's victory.
He stressed that Jones made a mistake by going heavy, so his opponent, a "real heavyweight", will have the advantage.
“Jones was knocked out with punches that he had never cared about before, punches that he could have taken before.
He's been knocked out or knocked down with punches that wouldn't have affected him years ago, ”White said.
However, many found it difficult to predict the outcome of the fight.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis noted that both rivals have trump cards that can help them win.
“Given Mike Tyson's age, I think it's good that he can bring himself back into the ring.
We need to remember who Roy Jones is.
Roy Jones is one of the fastest boxers of his day.
He constantly moves around the ring.
He won't be an easy target.
In such a fight, he definitely does not want to miss blows.
But until Mike Tyson catches up with him.
If this happens, we will have a good fight, ”Lewis is sure.