Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr: Everything you need to know about boxing comeback

Mike Tyson is back. The boxing legend will throw down with another former heavyweight champ after a stunning body transformation.

This is what 2020 needs.

Boxing icon Mike Tyson’s comeback is on — and he’ll square off with another fan favourite in Roy Jones Jr in an eight-round exhibition bout in California in September.

Tyson, 54, hasn’t fought since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005 but has been teasing a return to the ring after getting himself in tremendous shape in recent months.

RELATED: Tyson shows he still has insane power

He’s tantalised boxing fans with footage of him working out the gym, showing he still has at least some of the speed, power and footwork that saw him become the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

“At one time I was 40kg overweight, I was doing bad — I was doing cocaine, I was drinking — and I said ‘Allah, if you can stop me being this way, I’ll change my whole life’ and eventually I got married, my life started to change and I started working out,” Tyson told TMZ Sports.

Tyson said his interest in returning to the ring was originally sparked by an offer to fight against former MMA star Bob Sapp, before that fell through and he landed with Jones Jr.

“I don’t know how this happened, I’m just very grateful I’m not living the life I was living before,” he said.

“It’s going to be for various charities so no one has to worry about me getting rich, or getting jealous or saying I’m doing this for money. I just feel good doing this because I can.

“I’m in great shape, but I’m going to get in better condition.”

The champ is fighting fit … and still has that look.

Jones Jr, 51, created his own legacy by becoming the only boxer to start his career at junior middleweight and go on to win a heavyweight title.

Aussie fans will remember his ill-fated trip to Sydney to fight Danny Green in 2009, where he was knocked out just two minutes into the bout.

Jones Jr told sports.ru: “I had no intention of going back and fighting again but, for the sake of Mike Tyson, I agree to make an exception.

“For me, this is an opportunity that I cannot refuse. Of all those who wanted to go into the ring with him, he chose me. And since he did that, how can I say no?”

Tyson appeared to be smoking a joint while signing the contract for the fight in a video posted by Jones Jr to Instagram. “Thank you very much,” Tyson said.

Mike Tyson shows off his signature.

TYSON ‘WON’T TRY FOR KO’

Some in the boxing community — including former champ Ricky Hatton — have expressed concern about Tyson fighting at such an advanced age and Jones Jr — who only retired in 2018 — fought well past his use by date.

RELATED: How Tyson bounced back from losing it all

But early reports suggest the fight is being approached safely, with the combatants likely to wear larger gloves that limit the damage they can do.

“They aren’t going to try for KOs,” boxing scribe Kevin Iole reported.

But they will not be wearing headgear.

Mike Tyson has undergone a stunning body transformation.

The fight is being held on September 13 (AET) and while a time has not been announced it will almost certainly be a Saturday night in the US which means Sunday lunchtime viewing in Australia.

Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles — current home of soccer’s LA Galaxy and the site of many famous boxing bouts — is the venue.

Both fighters met with the California State Athletic Commission via video chat recently to get clearance to compete.

“In this match, the referee will have the authority to stop the fight if it strays outside the boundaries of a competitive boxing exhibition,” CSAC told Sky Sports.

“Mr. Tyson and Mr. Jones Jr will have to submit all CSAC medical tests for fighters over 40 as well as CSAC’s emergency regulations that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Details of how much it will cost to buy the pay-per-view have not been released. Fans will not be allowed in the stands. Tyson has opened as the betting favourite.

Roy Jones Junior. Picture: Sam Mooy

There’s already been one fight announced for the undercard and it’s a laugher.

Former NBA guard Nate Robinson — who famously won the dunk contest three times despite only standing 175cm tall — is going to box YouTube star Jake Paul.

Robinson has never had an official fight while Paul’s only outing was on the undercard of his older brother Logan’s bout against fellow YouTuber KSI in August, 2018.

Jake Paul won his fight against Deji Olatunji via fifth round TKO.

“I wanted to show that I’m a world class athlete,” Robinson told The Athletic. “I played college football, played in the NBA for 11 years, and I’m excited for this venture in the sport of boxing. Jake Paul, I want all the smoke.”

Jake Paul: “Make no mistake, on September 12, Nate will meet the canvas early.”

Iole reported there’s likely to be boxer against MMA fighter bouts on the card too.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Mike Tyson

Age: 54 Height 178cm Weight: 99kg

Boxing record: 50 wins (44 KOs), six defeats

Last fought: June, 2005 v Kevin McBride

Roy Jones Jr

Age: 51 Height: 180cm Weight: 88kg

Boxing record: 66 wins (47 KOs), nine defeats

Last fought: February, 2018 v Scott Sigmon