Mike Tyson comeback vs. Roy Jones Jr. 'a beautiful thing' despite risks, says George Foreman

Rob Lancaster

Mike Tyson comeback vs. Roy Jones Jr. 'a beautiful thing' despite risks, says George Foreman image

George Foreman believes the exhibition bout between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. is a "beautiful thing," even if there is a danger in the pair stepping back into the ring.

Tyson has confirmed he will make a comeback Sept. 12 in Las Vegas, taking on four-weight world champion Jones in a pay-per-view contest.

The 54-year-old Tyson, whose last outing was in 2005, when he retired against Kevin McBride - has teased the possibility of a return in recent months, posting videos on social media as he worked out in the gym.

Foreman understands better than most why the duo have signed up for the showdown. At age 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion when he famously stopped Michael Moorer.

MORE: Jeff Fenech weighs in on Mike Tyson-Roy Jones fight

"There's a time when you've got to worry about your health, but it's a beautiful thing that they would even come out [and fight]," Foreman told TMZ Sports. "Perhaps they can name a charity to be the recipient of the funds. I think it's good to come out, but it's got to be a fun thing."

While making clear the dangers of competing again, Foreman expects it would have been impossible to change Tyson's mind once it was made up.

"Boxing is nothing to play with. I would tell them that it's really dangerous," he said. "But when you make up your mind to do something like that, you can't tell them not to do it. They're not going to hear that.

"Even me, a big fool like me, back in the day, I only saw what I wanted to see."

Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech shared some of Foreman's concerns, saying Jones could be in danger. 

"Mike looks in good shape, and Roy is in good shape and I think it's going to be hard for these guys to have an exhibition," Fenech told Sporting News

"I think if one of them hits the other, it could be a war and we might have something unforseen happen.

"I think poor Roy might feel the power of Mike Tyson.

"When you look at Mike, you think of his punching power. And when you think of Roy towards the end of his career, Roy's going to be in a bit of trouble if Mike lands any punch on him.

"Roy doesn't have that speed and the gift he had when he was greatest middleweight or super-middleweight of all time.

"But power never leaves you, and Mike still has it."

 

Rob Lancaster