Last night, “Iron” Mike Tyson finally met Roy Jones, Jr. in a boxing ring.
The exhibition showed two legends who still have the pugilistic technical skills to pay the bills. Although they lost a step or two, due to being in their early fifties, the fight went a full 8 rounds with glimpses of their old glory.
"Why nobody care about my ass? I haven't fought for 15 years. He stopped fighting three years ago."
Mike Tyson after his fight with Roy Jones Jr. ended in a draw 😂
(via @BTSportBoxing)pic.twitter.com/Sy8RxyNNti
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2020
Tyson, who lost 100lbs for the bout, still had the evasive head movement and crushing body blows. Although it took Jones, Jr., a little longer to find his rhythm, once he did, his famous no-look punches and quick angles were on display.
The bout was the first under Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League and was streamed on Triller. The league will feature athletes who are past their prime that still wish to compete and test themselves.
NBA veteran, Nate Robinson proved that some legends should stick to their core competency.
My respect for @nate_robinson grew last night not because the fight but because my man jumped right back in the group chat last night and took all the jokes and everything
— James White (@Flight8) November 29, 2020
Robinson made his pro boxing debut against one-fight veteran and YouTube sensation Jake Paul (2-0, 2 KOs). Although he had speed and aggression, he got knocked out less than two minutes into the second round.
“You don’t play boxing,” analyst Sugar Ray Leonard said.
Black people talking about Jake Paul knocking out Nate Robinson pic.twitter.com/tFnCY0LuXG
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) November 29, 2020
Robinson (0-1) was knocked down in the first round after rushing Paul.
Then Paul (2-0, 2 KO) hit him just above the ear and in the second round, Paul clubbed Nate on the forehead, knocking him down again.
The event also incorporated music concerts featuring top entertainers in commercial rap music. From Wiz Khalifa, who opened the event, to French Montana, Swae Lee, YG, and Snoop Dogg, the event was the most successful integration of live music and boxing since James Brown and the Rumble in the Jungle.
Kobe watching Roy Jones Jr lose all 8 rounds to Mike Tyson while Roy wears his gloves pic.twitter.com/LhidFWGQ05
— Isaac Marquez (@HomieHotDog) November 29, 2020
The Staples Center was transformed into a smart bubble of sexy cool boxing. From a walk out with amazing lighting effects and walkway a la Bellator, the event felt like a futuristic Art Deco world of combat.
In addition, prominent sponsor Weedmaps felt like the perfect fit as both Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg blazed up during their performances. Other sponsors, DraftKings kept the red light district of sports moniker alive by infusing betting odds into experience.
😂😂 Snoop Dogg said about Roy Jones Jr and Mike Tyson "This shit is like two of my uncles fighting at a barbecue!" #tysonvsjones #TysonJones pic.twitter.com/JbQAgeZQqT
— freewilly2.0 (@therealwill1723) November 29, 2020
However, the unexpected star of the night was Snoop Dogg who’s commentary during the main event was legendary.
It was the perfect infusion of culture and enhanced an already quasi-side show feel to the event. But it worked and during a time when sports has been experiencing so many setbacks due to COVID-19, Legends Only League may supply a much needed alternative.
