Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr fight rule changes: Knockouts ALLOWED, rounds, minutes, how to win – exhibition explained
MIKE TYSON and Roy Jones Jr face off in an intriguing exhibition fight TONIGHT.
But what are the rules for the boxing spectacle? Is a knockout allowed and how many minutes will the rounds be?
What are the rules for Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr?
With a combined age of 105, Tyson and Jones Jr do battle in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
They will fight over eight, two minute rounds, and will be wearing larger 12oz gloves.
The fighters will not be wearing headgear.
Men’s boxing bouts usually run over three minute rounds and both stars have expressed their dismay at the shorter rounds.
Jones Jr said: “I’m not happy at all.
“Like [Tyson] said, that’s for women. I kept fighting until the last minute, saying, ‘Why we fighting two-minute rounds?’ I don’t understand that. We’re not women. We’re two of the best to ever do it.
“Why we got to do two-minute rounds? Why? If something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen anyway … two minutes, three minutes, five minutes. Don’t really matter.
“So, for us, what difference does it make? Two minutes doesn’t do anything for him or for me. To be honest with you, it cheats the fans out of it.”
In addition, the California State Commission have said that if either boxer is cut or injured the fight will be stopped, though it remains to be seen if referee Ray Corona will choose to halt it.
The World Boxing Council have created the WBC Frontline Battle Belt to give to the winner, and have former WBC champs Christy Martin, Vinny Pazienza and Chad Dawson scoring the fight remotely should it go all eight rounds for the WBC to decide a victor.
Is a knockout allowed?
Technically yes, although the legends have been urged NOT to go for a K.O.
The California State Commission have deemed it a bout for the greats to “exhibit” their boxing skills.
UFC boss Dana White was flabbergasted after hearing the rule, saying: “There’s no knockouts? They’re not allowed to knock each other out? How do you enforce that?
Both fighters have said they are gunning for a K.O on Saturday night, and it will come down to the referee’s discretion to step in if he sees fit.
The fight will not count on ether man’s record.
Most read in Boxing
What have they said?
Andy Foster, California State Commission executive director: “It’s an exhibition.
“They can exhibit their boxing skills, but I don’t want them using their best efforts to hurt each other.
“They’re going to spar hard, but they shouldn’t be going for a knockout. This isn’t a record-book type of fight. This is not world-championship boxing right now. It’s not what this is. People shouldn’t be getting knocked out.
“The public can see what kind of shape Roy and Mike are still in.
“I’m sure there are going to be times where it heats up. Ray’s [Corona, referee] job is going to be to put the ice back on without having to kill the whole thing. He’s that kind of referee. I feel that he’s going to be good at that, and he’s the right guy for this kind of a fight.”
Fight organisers Triller said in a statement: “We have nothing but the utmost respect for Andy and everyone at CSAC.
“For total clarity we are not implying that CSAC is picking a winner or scoring this, WBC is doing both. WBC is scoring under a 10-9, and a knockout will be a win under WBC’s scoring. The results will not be reflected on their fight record. We apologize for any confusion and look forward to a great night of fights Saturday night.
Jones Jr: “First of all, if you think you are going into the ring with Mike Tyson, the last guy [Corey Sanders] that did an ‘exhibition’ with Mike [in 2006] got dropped in the first round.
“If you don’t know that, then something is wrong with you. Who goes into the ring with the great, legendary Mike Tyson and thinks, ‘Oh, this is going to be an exhibition?’ 12-ounce gloves? No headgear? Really? This is an exhibition? Come on, man. Be for real’.”
When is Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr?
- The fight is set for Saturday, November 28.
- The undercard is expected to start at 9pm ET which is 1am GMT and the main event will follow at around 4am – 5am GMT.
- LA’s Staples Center plays host with no fans in attendance.
Who is on the Tyson vs Jones Jr undercard?
YouTube star Jake Paul leads the way on the four-fight card when he takes on ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
Elsewhere Hasim Rahman Jr is off the card after he tested positive for Covid.
Main card
- Tyson vs Jones Jr (8 x 2min rounds, heavyweight exhibition)
- Jake Paul vs Nate Robinson (6 x 3min, cruiserweight)
- Badou Jack vs Blake McKernan (8 x 3min, light-heavy)
- Hasim Rahman Jr vs Rashad Coulter (8 x 3min, cruiserweight) – FIGHT OFF
- Jamaine Ortiz vs. Nahir Albright, (8 x 3min, lightweight)
Prelims
- Irvin Gonzalez vs. Edward Vasquez (8 x 3min, featherweight)
- Juiseppe Cusumano vs. Nick Jones (8 x 3min, heavyweight)
How can I watch Tyson vs Jones Jr?
BT Sport Box Office will be showing the card in the UK. With the event starting from 1am GMT.
BT are charging £19.95 for the card.
In the US, watch the show on Fite.TV and the Triller app.