Mike Tyson feels ‘better than ever physically and mentally’ as Roy Jones Jr says he couldn’t turn down ‘inspiring’ fight
MIKE TYSON feels "better than ever physically and mentally" ahead of his clash with Roy Jones Jr.
And Jones Jr, 51, says he could not turn down the "inspiring" fight.
The heavyweight icons - with a combined age of 105 - meet on November 28 at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Despite 54-year-old Tyson originally thinking his boxing days were behind him, he reckons he has never felt better ahead of the exhibition bout.
Iron Mike said: "I just started exercising and was feeling so good.
"I had an urge to hit the bag, something I haven’t done in more than 15 years.
"I was enjoying it and I never thought I would get enjoyment out of boxing again.
"I thought the sport had robbed the best of me but it wasn’t true.
"I just feel better than I ever have physically and mentally and it’s just something I needed to do for myself."
Many have questioned the safety of the clash given the pairs' ages, but Jones Jr says he didn't need much motivation to get in the ring with the Baddest Man on the Planet.
Jones Jr, nicknamed Superman and Captain Hook during his career, said: "The fact that Mike Tyson wanted to share the ring with me.
"It doesn’t get any more inspiring than that."
Tyson recently commented on suggestions he is scared to face old nemesis Evander Holyfield.
In the years since, they have made up and formed a friendship, and Holyfield teased a trilogy online.
He posted a picture of him punching Tyson, along with the caption: "Who would like to see Holyfield vs Tyson 3?"
Iron Mike responded to the speculation about another fight with his great rival in an interview with Jim Gray.
Tyson said: "That’s always something that we can do if the people want it, if it’s pragmatic enough, I’d love to do it."