Is the Trend of Boxing’s Old Head’s Returning to the Ring Here To Stay?
Over the last six months, we have seen fascinating development in boxing. The sport’s icon’s/legends are putting back on the gloves and returning to the ring. In November of 2020, former undisputed world heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson stepped into the ring to face four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. It was an eight-round exhibition that ended in a draw.
The event was a huge success, financially. Afterward, Tyson said he planned to fight again. Now we have a clue as to who we may see “Iron Mike” face next. He dished the dirt during a brief encounter with TMZ Sports.
“I’m going to fight Lennox Lewis, in September.”
Initially, Tyson was in negotiations to fight Evander Holyfield in May. However, Holyfield will instead fight Kevin McBride in an eight-round exhibition on June 5 in Miami, Florida on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez v George Kambosos Jr.
For those who do not know, Lewis scored an 8th round KO over Tyson in June of 2002 to retain his then-undisputed heavyweight titles. It was one of the biggest boxing events of the current millennium.
LONGEVITY OR A FAD?
With Mike Tyson fighting Roy Jones last year, Holyfield fighting in May, and talks of a Tyson v Lewis exhibition in September, there is a segment of fans who enjoy the old vanguard returning to the ring to exchange blows. To some, they look like old heads fighting at the summer backyard BBQ. But ultimately, money talks. As long as people are willing to shell out the dough, the trend of sport’s geriatric warriors returning to the ring is here for the foreseeable future.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
