The 'Major Concern' Raised For Mike Tyson Vs. Roy Jones Jr Exhibition Bout
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The lack of drug testing for Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr is a "major concern" according to a report.
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Tyson, 54, is set to fight Jones Jr, 51, in an eight-round exhibition bout in California on September 12.
I. AM. BACK. #legendsonlyleague. September 12th vs @RealRoyJonesJr on #Triller and PPV #frontlinebattle @TysonLeague pic.twitter.com/eksSfdjDzK
- Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) July 23, 2020
And the pair of boxing legends have yet to be officially drug tested ahead of their pay-per-view showdown.
Per The Ring Magazine, talks between the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) and the American fighters remain ongoing despite the contest just over a month away.
"Drug testing is the major concern for this event. That needs to be the focus, not the size of the gloves, or the headgear," a source revealed.
The California State Athletic Commission have laid out a specific set of rules for Tyson vs. Jones Jr.
They won't be wearing headgear, but will be wearing larger than normal gloves.
It has also been disclosed that the bout will be stopped if either fighter receives a cut.
Roy Jones Jr. is getting back in the swing of things pic.twitter.com/ai0cd1cfme
- ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) August 1, 2020
Tyson vs. Jones Jr has split the boxing community with promoter Eddie Hearn expressing his concerns over the high-profile match.
"The Commission has said they can't [go for a knockout]. Can you imagine? Tyson comes out and goes for [a knockout] and the commissioner [waves] if off. That's an absolute disaster," the Matchroom boss told Boxing Social.
"I'm never comfortable with an exhibition bout? Because what are you getting, what are you actually paying for? This shouldn't happen, but I'd rather they went at it hammer and tong. I'd buy that. I don't think it's ethically right or good for boxing but I would probably buy that. I don't think you're going to buy an exhibition.
"What are they going to do? Mess around after a round or do an interview mid-round? Sky got approached [to air it]. They spoke to me about it. I'm not saying they won't take it. You could be a round or two in going 'Oh my God, what is this?'
"I would rather they went in and tried to take each other's head off. Like I said, ethically, that wouldn't be right either but I'd prefer that."
Featured Image Credit: Triller/Mike Tyson
Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Roy Jones Jr, Boxing, Fight News
