MIKE TYSON and opponent Roy Jones Jr had to undergo a rigorous health check ahead of their exhibition fight later this year.
The two boxing legends signed a deal to lace up the gloves for an eight-round charity bout.
Mike Tyson, 54, is making a sensatonal boxing return later this year
Roy Jones Jr, pictured on the left with Chris Eubank Jr, has revealed extra health checks were carried outCredit: chriseubankjr.com
It was scheduled for September 12, but that has been put back to November 28 to give both fighters more time to prepare.
The WBC has urged Tyson, 54, and Jones Jr, 51, to wear headgear and 18oz gloves for the fight amid fears for their safety.
And now Jones Jr has revealed that the California State Athletic Commission imposed a strict health check on both men.
Speaking to World Boxing News about a meeting he had with a boxing official, Jones Jr said: “He wanted to know if I was healthy if I had any illnesses. And was I feeling OK.
“He was more concerned about my health than anything.
“He said he didn’t want nobody leaving hurt. That we’ve both got a physical (exam) to make sure we were fit and healthy.
“They made us go through a couple of extra layers mainly because of our age, but that’s expected.
“I feel good at 51, probably just as good as I felt at 41.”
He better be ready, I’m coming full force
Mike Tyson
The pair were due to box under strict orders, prohibiting knockouts and not having judges score the bout.
But now an unnamed but recognised sanctioning body will oversee the fight adopting more familiar rules.
Officials will be ringside scoring and the winner of the exhibition receive a special belt.
Tyson said: “Changing the date to November 28 will give more people the opportunity to see the biggest comeback in boxing history.
“This temporary inconvenience will last longer than Roy Jones Jr.
“He better be ready, I’m coming full force.”
World Boxing News reports WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman as saying: “Both Tyson and Jones should wear headgear that boxers use in sparring.
“They should also wear 16, or even 18-ounce gloves.
“This event is a charity initiative that is highly appreciated and seeks to give sports fans a moment of entertainment.
“That is why the World Boxing Council fully supports the realisation of it. But I repeat, in no way can the safety of the contenders be neglected.
“I am certain that the California State Athletic Commission is taking every single provision to ensure their safety before and during the event.”
Iron Mike turns air blue as he discusses fight with Roy Jones taking place at Thanksgiving
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
