Now Is The Time For Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.
by
Buster Paris
12/14 - Now is truly the time for Roy Jones Jr. to finally get a shot at Mike Tyson. He’s always said he wanted it and I say let’s give it to him. It’s perfect and exactly what boxing fans need.
For this generation this match up has the potential to be our “Thrilla”. I know that’s a bold statement, but the boxing sages have prophesized it, Jupiter has aligned with Mars and I feel it in my bones....Now is the time.
If you remember - Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali were both on the downward slide of their craft when they met on October 1st 1975 in Quezon City – "The Thrilla In Manila” - was one of the greatest fights of all time. They were both on the same page of the later chapters of their careers. Parallel in the deterioration of their skills so that they were equally matched as if they were in their prime.
I think Tyson vs. Jones Jr. could be just that.
They are both in the downward slide. Roy’s descent came rather rapidly. He beat John Ruiz to get the Heavyweight Championship – then a controversial win over Antonio Tarver. Now comes the decline. For the rematch Tarver brazenly put him to sleep in the 2nd round and 4 months later Glen Johnson knocked him out in the 9th.
'Iron' Mike has been deteriorating for a while. If you look at his last 4 fights it’s a split, 2 wins and 2 losses. He imposed his will and hammered a loss onto Brian Nielson (TKO 7). He lost to Lennox Lewis with a drowsy and tame performance and was put away in the 8th. He destroyed Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds and in his loss to Danny Williams 16 months later he looked like the Mighty Mike of old. He looked great in the first few rounds, but that 4th round, well you know.
So here they are two of the greats on their way out. They are almost completely parallel to each other as far as what’s diminished for their perspective talents.
Now is the time.
They both have a few good fights left in them. Not great fights, but just good fights. The just getting by and getting paid kind. You know what I’m talking about. The fights we watch and sadly shake our heads and try to explain to our 12-year-old nephew that this guy used to be unstoppable! Unbeatable! – He’d terrify his opponent just by showing up! – He was pound for pound the greatest thing to hit boxing...
This could be an exceptional, distinguished and historical exit for these gladiators. There’s always the potential of this turning into a trilogy and that would be great for all of us Tyson, Jones Jr. and especially the fans!
To Roy and Mike I say go for it. I think you’ve done all you can for the sport and for yourselves as warriors. Let’s make this happen.
I think Roy Jones Jr. would at least consider this. I think he’ll do poorly his next 2 fights and will realize it’s time. I don’t think Tyson would. I think Mike will keep fighting on and on and it makes me sad to think of him as becoming just a name opponent for the new kids to tee off on, for that 10 and 0 or 20 and 0 kid to beat a great name…
Now is the time gentlemen – get out somewhat on top and as a fan favorite.
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