Mike Tyson's exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr on Saturday is reportedly "shattering" pay-per-view records before it has even taken place.
The 54-year-old heavyweight great 'Iron Mike' is facing 51-year-old former pound-for-pound king Jones in an eight-round contest in California. The rules are different to a pro boxing bout, with two-minute rounds and no official judges.
But that hasn't damaged public interest in seeing the two legends trade punches. At least according to the social network, Triller, which is streaming the fight in the US - and has shared news of the record-breaking pre-fight interest.
Advert
"Numbers don't lie," said Mike Tyson, responding to the news on Twitter. "Haters are mad they can't get numbers like this. Saturday is reckoning. @RealRoyJonesJr you better be ready."
The record applies to digital PPV sales, which helps explain the apparent demand. Triller and FITE are carrying the event in the USA, while BT Sport are showing the contest on box office in the UK.
"This event is a one-time, once-in-a-lifetime battle," said co-founder of Triller, Ryan Kavanaugh, as reported by Cision. "Whether you are 18 or 80, you know Tyson and have experienced his impact in your life."
Advert
"For some of us, it's remembering the fear in Tyson's opponents' eyes when he comes calmly walking out of the locker room with nothing but his black shorts. For others its moments of madness, biting off Holyfield's ear, starting a 20-person fight in the ring against the police, and yet for others [his] incredible performances in the Hangover series. Mike Tyson transcends all mediums."
Tyson certainly has an enduring popularity and appeal, which explains his reported $10 million purse for the fight with Jones earning an estimated $3 million.
Michael Weber, COO for FITE, added: "Currently, our advance sales for this event will make this the most watched event in our five-year history of streaming live sporting events."
Advert
"Our partners are also reporting advance sales that will put it on par with other top UFC and boxing events in the past few years. We are looking forward to a very successful event this Saturday."
"When this became even a potential reality, we realised this was so much more than a fight. Who doesn't want to see Mike Tyson step into that ring again?"
Certainly some boxing fans could live without it, while others can't wait to watch this fight actually unfold in the ring. Let us know whether you'll be ordering Mike Tyson take on Roy Jones in the comments.
Featured image credit: Triller/Instagram @MikeTyson
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr, Roy Jones Jr, Boxing, Fight News
