ROY JONES JR goes into his fight against Mike Tyson as an underdog – according to those in the boxing business.
The American – who started his career as a light-middleweight – is also the bookies outsider.
He faces fellow legend Tyson in an eight-round exhibition on Saturday, and has been left with it all to do inside the ring.
But Jones, 51, only retired in 2018, meaning what he lacks in size and power he could make up in with activity and form.
Here SunSport runs down the predictions from fighters, promoters and trainers.
Mike Tyson
Iron Mike did not have too much to say on the fight – only warning it will be all-action.
The 54-year-old told TMZ Sports: “Pain, baby, pain. A lot of pain.”
Prediction: Violence
Mike Tyson fights for the first time since retiring in 2005
Evander Holyfield
Holyfield twice beat Tyson and wants to face him for a third time after announcing he is also coming out of retirement.
He is backing his old rival to beat Jones if he lands one of his trademark shots – but fears if he fails it will be a snooze fest.
Holyfield, 58, told Teddy Atlas: “I think if Tyson catch him, he gonna hurt him. But if Tyson can’t catch him, it’s gonna be a lousy fight.”
Prediction: Tyson… if he can land.
Evander Holyfield twice beat Tyson and wants a third fightCredit: Reuters
Danny Williams
Williams scored one of the great British upsets in a boxing ring after he knocked out an out-of-sorts Iron Mike in 2004.
But he still tips Tyson’s size and power to be too much for Jones.
Williams, 47, said: “I think Roy is going to get seriously hurt. He is a natural middleweight.”
Prediction: Tyson
Brit Danny Williams upset Tyson in 2004 Credit: Reuters
James ‘Buster’ Douglas
Buster Douglas became the first man to beat Tyson, with his 1990 upset still considered one of the greatest shocks in boxing history.
He came into the fight a 42/1 underdog – and he gives Jones even LESS chance of repeating his victory.
Douglas, 60, told DJ Vlad: “I think he has a chance but it’s a slim chance. Slimmer than Buster Douglas.”
Prediction: Tyson
Buster Douglas in 1990 became the first man to ever beat TysonCredit: Reuters
Amir Khan
Khan revealed both were an inspiration to him in his career, but questioned why they are coming out of retirement.
Still the former champion – who jumped from welterweight to middleweight in 2016 before being KO’d by Canelo – is backing the smaller man.
Khan, 33, told Fight Hub: “I don’t know what’s made Mike and Roy fight each other. I mean, they might be friends, I don’t know.
“But who’s going to win this fight? Roy Jones, in my opinion.”
Prediction: Jones
Amir Khan has predicted Tyson will lose against Jones
Freddie Roach
Legendary trainer Roach cornered Tyson towards the end of the heavyweight’s career.
They still keep in touch now, and Roach has no doubt his friend will win by knockout.
He told told Press Box: “I think Mike knocks Roy Jones out.
“But I did warn Mike that he has to be careful of Roy’s left to the body. That’s the punch Roy used to knock out Virgil Hill.”
Prediction: Tyson
Legendary trainer Freddie Roach cornered Tyson towards the end of the heavyweight’s careerCredit: Rex Features
Tyron Woodley
Former UFC welterweight champion Woodley is another who has looked up to Tyson and Jones.
As a result, he feels Iron Mike’s power over the eight rounds will prove too troubling.
Woodley, 38, told Mike Swick: “I’ve studied them so much. I’ve watched so many films, so many fights with both of them.
“I think if Mike Tyson touches anybody, they’re going down no matter how old he is. I just don’t see him not touching Roy at some point in the fight.”
Prediction: Tyson
Ex-UFC welterweight champion on Tyson’s podcast
Jeff Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather’s uncle – a trainer – runs his own boxing channel, often asking for predictions ahead of big fights.
But in his own verdict, he tips Tyson to just edge out Jones.
Mayweather said: “Overall, if I would have to bet my money, I would pick Tyson because I know he has the power.
“And as big as he is, he has some tremendous hand speed.”
Prediction: Tyson
Floyd Mayweather’s uncle Jeff with Tyson
Oscar De La Hoya
De La Hoya works with Jones’ great rival Bernard Hopkins as they run Golden Boy Promotions.
And the American – who wants to make a comeback of his own – is tipping Tyson to come out on top.
De La Hoya, 47, said on Instagram: “I’m going to have to go with Tyson.
“But it wouldn’t surprise me if Jones Jr pulls something off – like he always has in his career.”
Prediction: Tyson
Jake Paul
The YouTuber faces ex-NBA star Nate Robinson on the undercard of Tyson’s comeback.
And he predicts Iron Mike will win the night’s main-event.
Paul, 23, told the Mayweather Boxing Channel: “I think uncle Mike’s going to take it home. But Roy Jones is looking dangerous too.
“I think [Tyson] is gonna stop him. Those punches look to vicious, I think round, fourth round he’s going to connect with one of those Mike Tyson’s uppercuts or hooks.”
Prediction: Tyson
Jake Paul is fighting on Tyson’s undercard against ex-NBA star Nate Robinson
Roy Jones Jr, 51, shows off incredible hand speed ahead of Mike Tyson fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
