(Editor’s note: This story originally published at Boxing Junkie, part of the USA TODAY Network.)
Can’t wait to find out who wins the pay-per-view fight between legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. on Nov. 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles?
Turns out you’ll never know, at least not in terms of an official result.
The California State Athletic Commission told BoxingScene.com that its judges will not be working what has been described as an exhibition, meaning no official winner will be announced. Instead, a trio of former champions – Chad Dawson, Christy Martin and Vinny Pazienza – will be “scoring” the bout remotely for the WBC.
The sanctioning body came up with what it has called a “Frontline Battle Belt” to give to the winner of the exhibition, which will be fought over eight two-minute rounds using 12-ounce gloves.
The fighters will be tested for drugs by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. However, marijuana will not be included. Tyson owns the cannabis company Tyson Ranch.
Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) caused a stir earlier this year by posting a video of himself training, but the 54-year-old hasn’t actually fought since he was knocked out by Kevin McBride in 2005.
Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) outpointed journeyman Scott Sigmon in February 2018. He’s 51.
The fight is available on pay-per-view for $49 in the U.S. UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will be part of the commentary team.
Highest of highs. Lowest of lows.
There will never be another boxer quite like Mike Tyson…
The Baddest Man on the Planet is back, for one night only
#TysonJones pic.twitter.com/yfoW8ndYmL
— Boxing on BT Sport
(@BTSportBoxing) November 21, 2020