Roy Jones Jr has hinted at potentially fighting Jake Paul. It comes following the postponement of the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s fight with Mike Tyson.
‘Iron Mike’ was all set to take on Paul on July 20 in Texas. However, the event has been put on hold indefinitely as Tyson is deemed medically unfit to fight after experiencing an ulcer flare-up during a recent flight. Jones Jr previously shared the ring with Tyson for eight rounds in an exhibition match four years ago, which did not get scored officially. And now the former multiple-weight world champion is willing to step in for Tyson.
“I’m kind of thinking about that,” Jones told Betway. “I might try and get into shape in case that happens. Maybe I get myself in shape for that.
Roy Jones Jr. is not opposed to returning to the boxing ring to replace Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul (Image: Getty Images)
“I never thought about doing it before, but with the situation of the fight, I think that’s a great idea, and I’ll be ready and in shape because if the fight doesn’t happen, then the ideal guy to substitute in place of Mike Tyson to fight Jake Paul is something I have been thinking about. If the fight is out there, then yes.”
Despite hanging up his gloves six years ago, Jones made a comeback for a fight against former UFC champion Anthony Pettis last September, which he lost on points. The 55-year-old also responded to speculation linking him to a clash with Paul’s past adversary, Tommy Fury, and discussed the possibility of facing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, who was due to fight Darren Till on the Paul vs. Tyson undercard.
“I haven’t thought about that because me being me, I only think about is being the best I can be and have never thought about that,” Jones said. “Then I figure it out in the ring.
“There was obviously the Tommy Fury thing that came up, and then, the other day, somebody asked me whether I would fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in an exhibition, and that’s crazy.”
“I would jump on it, but now that this thing has came up, it makes sense to get into shape with Jake Paul, and it would be one of the biggest fights of this decade.”
