ROY JONES JR believes heavyweight legend Mike Tyson is still “as dangerous as ever”.
Iron Mike, 54, will lace up the gloves for the first time in 15 years after signing to face Jones, 51, in an eight-round exhibition.
Jones, a former four-weight champion, only retired in 2018 aged 49, giving him an edge in form.
But the American great has warned not to expect ring rust from Tyson, despite his years of substance abuse in and inactivity retirement.
Jones told ESPN: “Mike is still just as dangerous as ever.
“The only thing about it is, you’ve been out of this sport for so long, it’ll be hard for him to go a full 12-round bout and sustain this.
“Yet he’s still good, he has his speed, he still has his power, he’s still highly explosive, so he’s still a dangerous guy.
“It’s going to be dangerous for all eight rounds. You’ve got to be ready to protect yourself because that’s Mike Tyson.”
Tyson has been training since March after announcing plans to make a sensational comeback and has dramatically transformed his body.
But the reformed Baddest Man on The Planet has been warned by the California State Athletic Commission – who sanctioned the bout – to control his aggression.
Under exhibition rules, Tyson and Jones have been told not to go for knockouts and will wear 12oz gloves, but no head guards.
Still Jones expects the once feared puncher Tyson to revert to type if he smells blood and knows he cannot afford to switch off in the ring.
He said: “For me, I know how to have fun in the ring and try to make it the best that I can make it.
“But at the same time, Mike knows one way. It’s like playing with a pitbull pup. He’ll play, but he’ll get lost because all he knows is, go at it.
“So that’s all Mike knows – go at it. So I’ve got to be prepared for whatever Mike comes out with.
“Now, I want to box, have a good time and give people a good show, as well.
“But Mike ain’t ordinary. He’s not that person that can go out and do that. All he knows is to take your head off.”
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https://www.sportingexcitement.com/boxing/sam-eggington-and-ted-cheeseman-weigh-in-for-eddie-hearns-matchroom-fight-camp-ahead-of-all-british-showdown
