The stage set at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the exhibition bout between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. Jones Jr last fought back in 2018 but this will be Tyson’s first time back in the ring since 2005. Both fighters are now in their 50s which has resulted in a special set of rules being drawn up for the bout.
However, there has been some confusion over what Tyson and Jones Jr can and can’t do.
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), who sanctioned the fight, claimed there would be no knockouts.
They also said no judges would be scoring the bout, meaning there would be no winner on the night.
But these claims have since been dismissed by Triller, the broadcaster behind the event.
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However, they will be using larger 12oz gloves instead of 10oz to provide extra padding.
KNOCKOUTS
Triller appear to have had the final say on the matter, suggesting knockdowns and knockouts will be permitted in the fight.
Triller’s Ryan Kavanaugh said: “A knockout is allowed. We heard someone say there’s no knockouts. A knockout is absolutely allowed. If someone’s bleeding, the fight’s not going to stop.
“(California State Athletic Commission, CSAC) approved the fight. They will have a ref there.
“The ref will be overseeing the fight under are all normal fight professional rules, with a few exceptions.”
SCORING
Despite the CSAC saying no judges would be present, the WBC have enlisted former champions Christy Martin, Vinny Pazienza, and Chad Dawson to score the bout remotely.
A special ‘Frontline Battle Belt’ will be presented to the winner, however, the result will not go down on their fighters pro record.