The 'Major Concern' Raised For Mike Tyson Vs. Roy Jones Jr Exhibition Bout

The lack of drug testing for Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr is a "major concern" according to a report.

Tyson, 54, is set to fight Jones Jr, 51, in an eight-round exhibition bout in California on September 12.

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.

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."

Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Roy Jones Jr, Boxing, Fight News

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@https://twitter.com/NasJabbar