Opening Odds for Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr
- Mike Tyson returns to the octagon to face Roy Jones Jr in September, news which sent Twitter abuzz on Thursday afternoon
- Who do oddsmakers favor in this exhibition clash of two legendary boxers?
- See the opening odds for the fight and an early lean below
Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr is a fantasy fight that is looking to become a reality this Fall. The reports are stating that this bout will go down September 12th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The monumental collision is an 8 round exhibition bout. The prizefight is dubbed Frontline Battle. It’s available on pay-per-view as well as via the social media platform Triller.
Though Tyson and Jones Jr. are 54 and 51years old, respectively, this fight has been making waves on social media.
Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mike Tyson | -210 |
| Roy Jones Jr | +170 |
Odds as of July 22nd
When news of Mike Tyson’s comeback popped up, a vast field of prospective opponents across multiple sports were discussed. That being said, Roy Jones Jr’s name wasn’t in that initial conversation.
Even the current, reigning lineal champion was talked about as a Tyson opponent before Roy Jones Jr was. Jones Jr stated he largely had no intention to get back to fighting, but would make an exception for a fight with Iron Mike. He said it would be crazy to receive an offer to fight Tyson and not accept it.
Iron Mike's been staying ready 🥊 @MikeTyson pic.twitter.com/g1z5DlsusZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 23, 2020
The two former heavyweight champions have a bit of history together too. Former champion Andre Ward has discussed in past interviews that Jones Jr. turned down an offer in the range of $40 million to fight Tyson years ago.
Roy Jones Jr. subsequently had a pair of fights with Tarver where Jones Jr was finished in the second round of the rematch.
Tyson and Jones Jr: Fantasy Fight Come to Life
Both men have not exactly been super active as of late. Tyson’s last boxing bout was in June 2005, and he tasted defeat to Kevin McBride via sixth-round stoppage.
Jones Jr. last fought in February 2018. He would defeat Scott Sigmon via unanimous decision in that contest. The California State Athletic Commission is handling regulation for the event and looks to instantiate larger glove sizes for this one. The rumblings are that twelve-ounce gloves will be worn but there will be no headgear donned by either.
https://twitter.com/MikeTyson/status/1286344625318486023
The present odds have Tyson as a decent favorite but I think that will alter with time. I think in the weeks and days leading up to the fight, the line will start getting closer. It seems to me as if some of these oddsmakers are experiencing a bit of Tyson nostalgia here and fair enough as the narrative has been one that has really resonated with people all through this tumultuous year.
Now there’s finally an opponent, a date, and a venue.
Even though many seemed to theorize Evander Holyfield would be Tyson’s return foe, Roy Jones Jr. makes a ton of sense too. I think the two will treat us to quite a curious spectacle this Autumn.
A part-time writer and full-time broadcaster, Dylan has hosted MMA talk shows Lights Out and Pure Fight Radio with featured guests like Jens Pulver, Roy Nelson, Miesha Tate, and covered some of the biggest MMA promotions like Rumble in the Cage, Unified MMA, and King of the Cage.
