ROY JONES JR has ignited a verbal clash with long-standing rival Mike Tyson, likening him to a “pitbull puppy.”
The two boxing icons, with a combined age of 105, are set to face off in an exhibition bout on September 12 in California.
While Iron Mike hasn’t stepped into the ring since 2005, Jones Jr’s last fight was just two years ago. When asked about his strategy against the unpredictable Tyson, the 51-year-old didn’t hold back.
Reported by Mundo Deportivo, Jones Jr remarked, “I know how to have fun in the ring, trying to do my best, but at the same time I know Mike.
“Mike is like a pitbull puppy. He gets lost in his mind, and the only thing he knows is ‘I’m going for the fight,’ that’s the only thing he knows, going for the fight.
“I have to be prepared for what Mike does. I want to box and have a fun time and put on a good show for people too.
“He’s not the type of person who’s going to go out and do that. All he knows is to go and try to take his head off.”
Tyson boasts 50 victories out of 58 career fights, with 44 of those ending in knockouts.
Despite his long hiatus, Tyson has whipped himself back into remarkable shape for his anticipated return, shedding five stone and currently training at 220 pounds.
With Tyson’s impressive physical condition, former trainer Jeff Fenech believes Tyson could still outmatch prominent boxer Deontay Wilder.
Fenech expressed to Sporting News: “Boxing’s not the same now. I’d guarantee that if Mike Tyson trained for six weeks, he’d knock Wilder out in a minute.
“He would hit them. If these guys are getting knocked out by Tyson Fury – who’s a great fighter, but not a huge puncher – Tyson would kill these guys.
“They’re not on the same level today.
“Mike today, I reckon if he trained he could still beat these guys.”