‘Iron Mike’ can still crack — Gibbons

MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons places his bet on “Iron Mike” Tyson when the “baddest man on the planet” makes a comeback in an eight-round exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, California on November 28.

“I think brother Mike [still has] the heat,” Gibbons told The Manila Times on Sunday in an overseas call. “Still, Mike…I think he is in a better shape. He is a bigger puncher. Even if you’re [a] 52-year-old, you don’t lose your punch. You could crack and crack.”

“The dude looks amazing hitting the pads,” he enthused.

The nontitle match between undisputed heavyweight world champion Tyson and four-division world champion Jones is being promoted by streaming services Triller. The bout was supposed to be held on September 12, but it was pushed back to a later date to maximize the revenue of the event.

When asked his opinion on the exhibition fight as a long-time boxing promoter, Top Rank boss Bob Arum merely texted The Manila Times last Tuesday that pitting the 51-year-old Jones against the 54-year-old Tyson was “a joke” and refused to comment further or be involved.

International matchmaker Gibbons, naturally, would pay good money to see it happen.

“I think it is a fun fight. I think it is entertaining. It’s entertainment. It’s two legends. I am happy to buy it and watch two guys [spar]. I don’t mind spending the money. They gave me a lot of thrills and great fights over the years. And, you know, whatever happens, happened,” he explained.

“You know, I appreciate both guys, and I think it is entertainment. If the people want to watch it, they watch it. If they don’t, they don’t. I am not against it,” he reasoned, pointing out that the friendly fight could turn fierce when the two warriors start to smell blood.

“It’s a sparring session that’s going to turn into a real fight if somebody gets hit in the mouth. [With a] guy like Tyson or Roy Jones, you know they are still warriors, and they still have to give each other [a worthy challenge]. It’s going to be fun, and that’s novelty. They have the absolute right,” teased the matchmaker.

Source: TheManila Times