Roy Jones Jr says he is ready to step in and replace Mike Tyson and face Jake Paul should Mike pull out
Former four-weight world champion, Roy Jones, said: “I get myself in shape for that because I never thought about doing it before but, with the situation of the fight [being postponed between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul], I think that’s a great idea and I’ll be ready and in shape because if the fight doesn’t happen then the ideal guy to substitute in place of Mike Tyson to fight Jake Paul is something I have been thinking about.”
Jones Jr. actually fought Tyson in an exhibition bout in 2020, which ended in a competitive draw between the 50-year-old former fighters.
Now 55, Jones Jr. fought professionally just 18 months ago, losing via mixed decision to Anthony Pettis in April 2023.
Although he is now coaching, the former Fighter of the Decade 1990s is still keen on competing, recently being linked to a match with Tommy Fury.
YouTuber Jake Paul (10-1, 7KO) faces retired fighter Mike Tyson (50-6, 44KO) on November 15 in Texas, live on Netflix. Originally scheduled for July 20th, the contest was postponed for five months after Tyson fell ill.
The former undisputed world heavyweight champion was born in 1966. Now 58, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history when he won the WBC title in 1986, aged 20, 10 years before Paul was born. Tyson had already won 47 pro fights and six world titles, all before the YouTuber was even alive.
The 30-year age gap has caused lots of controversy with many believing this fight shouldn’t be allowed to take place.
Their bout will consist of eight two-minute rounds with 16oz gloves, under the auspices of the Texas Boxing Commission.
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