Tyson vows to knockout Jones

CEBU, Philippines —  It may just be an exbition bout but “Iron” Mike Tyson means business, saying that he is certainly going for a knockout against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr. in their eight-round duel on September 12 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The 54-year-old Tyson, who stopped Trevor Berick in the second round to become the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years and four months in 1986,

is making a ring comeback against the 51-year-old Jones,  the only boxer to turn pro as a junior middleweight and become a heavyweight champ.

Contrary to what California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster had said in a report by Yahoo Sports that the two boxing greats “will be involved merely in a glorified sparring session”, Tyson firmly declared that he is out to destory Jones.

“This is search and destroy! – I’m looking forward to recapturing my glory. If the opportunity comes, I’m always looking for it,” Tyson told TMZ Sports.

Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990 who gained distinction as the first heavyweight to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts, also allayed fears by some quarters on the dangers involved fighting at their age.

“We’re both professionals. We know how to handle ourselves and whatever happens, happens,” said Tyson.

“The fighting game is what I’m about and hurting people is what I’m about.”

Tyson has compiled a 50-6 win-loss record spiked with 44 knockouts, while Jones holds a 66-9 mark with 47KOs.

But unlike Jones who saw action consistently into his 50s, Tyson hasn’t fought since he retired after losing to Kevin McBride in 2005.