Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr predictions: From David Haye to Evander Holyfield

It might be more than two months late, but Mike Tyson‘s showdown with Roy Jones Jr at the Staples Center in California is fast approaching.

With just hours until the eight round charity exhibition bout, the odds have dramatically fallen in favour of ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson. 

Tyson may have retired from the ring more than 15 years ago but fellow boxing icons Evander Holyfield – who had his ear bitten by Tyson in a now infamous bout – and Danny Williams have backed the 54-year-old to not only win, but ‘seriously hurt’ Jones Jr under the lights in Los Angeles.

But not all believe it will be quite so smooth for Tyson. David Haye and Lennox Lewis have sided with underdog Jones Jr, claiming his ‘combinations’ and ‘skill’ are good enough to see him dominate in any era of boxing.  

Whether you’re sitting firmly in Tyson’s corner or believe Jones Jr can pull off a spectacular feat, nobody watching this one can say for sure which way it will play out between two iconic fighters. 

Here, Sportsmail rounds up predictions from fighters, trainers, referees and promoters.  

David Haye

British former professional boxer    

Prediction: Roy Jones Jr 

[Tyson] doesn’t look like much speed has been lost. If he can somehow maintain what he has been doing on the pads in multiple combinations per round he could be pretty devastating. But how many rounds can he maintain that pace?

Roy Jones on the other hand HAS boxed in the last couple of years so he’s had hard training camps, he’s been in there and had the rounds sparring. You know two years out the ring is a long time but it’s not as long as what Mike Tyson has had out the ring.

Roy Jones is showing more in terms of combinations. Mike Tyson’s combinations are 5-6 punches max whereas Roy Jones is throwing significantly more.

I don’t believe boxing is a sport that you can walk away from for 10-15 years and expect to compete with anyone at any weight. So I’m leaning towards the athlete who has stayed in the boxing game over the last decade. 

Freddie Roach

American boxing trainer and former professional boxer

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I think Mike knocks Roy Jones out. 

But I did warn Mike that he has to be careful of Roy’s left to the body.  

That’s the punch Roy used to knock out Virgil Hill.

Joe Egan

Mike Tyson’s former sparring partner  

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

Tyson’s punch power even at 54, he was 54 June 30 and Roy Jones Jr is 51, they’re both in their twilight years… but they’re both supreme athletes.

I was at Mike’s last fight 15 years ago when he fought Kevin McBride in Washington DC and it was sad to see the demise of Mike Tyson then. 

But 15 years on they say you can turn back the hands of time but maybe the 15 years away from the boxing, a bit of a rest, he still seems to be ambitious.

I’ve watched videos of him punching the pads and doing the bag work and he’s still got that power and I think his power will be too much for Roy Jones Jr.

If the referee lets them fight, if the referee doesn’t allow Mike to use his aggression and says he wants a boxing exhibition then it’s Roy Jones Jr brilliance we are going to see.

Roy Jones Jr is one of the greatest of all times. Could live in any era with his boxing ability.

Fifteen years ago it didn’t look like Tyson had anything left but maybe he can prove to us he can turn back the hands of time. But I still think whatever he has left is going to be too much for Roy Jones Jr.

It’s going to be exciting while it lasts! Either way, it’s going to be a knockout early, either round one or two. It might even go into round three if Jones Jr can stay away. I can’t see it going the distance. 

Tommy Martin

British former professional boxer 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I’m going for Mike Tyson. I don’t think you could ever ever write Mike Tyson off in a 50-50. Especially when I think he looks like he’s got his hunger back but obviously we’ll find out on the night.

Jones Jr is obviously the cleaner and better liver so maybe that could come through for him.

But for me my childhood hero and idol was Mike Tyson growing up, so I hope Mike Tyson gets the job done. 

Evander Holyfield

American former professional boxer 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I think if Tyson catch him, he going to hurt him. 

But if Tyson can’t catch him, it’s going be a lousy fight.

Former British Boxing Board of Control referee

Prediction: Roy Jones Jr 

When you’re looking at the two guys fighting and you look at them from the times they won titles, they thrilled crowds and were head and shoulders above.

That’s what people are expecting. I don’t expect that at all. I probably expect these two guys to look good for probably a couple of minutes.

These are two shot old men who in no way should be in the glare of a camera in a boxing show.

On the flip side, I think Tyson will come out like a bull in a China shop and I think he’ll be trying to take Jones out. If not out, at least out of his stride.

What will Jones do? Anyone with a little bit of common sense will think this guy’s a lot bigger than me, he used to be a devastating puncher, I’m going to get on my bike and slip and slide all night and ride it through.

If Tyson runs in fatigue and runs out of gas or something to that degree then Jones might open up on him and make him pay.

Danny Williams

British former professional boxer 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

‘I think Roy is going to get seriously hurt. He is a natural middleweight.’ 

Lennox Lewis

British former professional boxer 

Prediction: Roy Jones Jr 

Roy Jones is one of the quickest fighters out there when he was fighting. 

He moved around the ring. He is not going to be an easy target. This type of fight, he’s not looking to get hit.

Until Mike Tyson catches up with him, if Mike Tyson can catch up with him, then we’re gonna see a good fight. 

‘Bones’ Adams

British former professional boxer 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I know Roy since he was 14 and I love him to death but I feel like because he just kept boxing there is wear and tear on his body.

Whereas Mike, he stopped. He’s fresh, he hasn’t hit nobody. He’s hungry. I mean if they go at it like you think they will, he’s hungry and he’s fresh while Roy carried on a little bit too long.

The wear and tear on his body is why I would give the advantage to Mike.

Ronnie Shields

American former professional boxer 

Prediction: Roy Jones Jr 

I think people forget how good Roy Jones is. That’s something you never forget. You don’t ever forget your skills and Roy was a skilled fighter.

Of course Mike is a good puncher, a big puncher, but Roy also knows how to catch punches and he knows all these different things so I am sure that’s never left him.

I’m sure he still has those capabilities so I think we’re going have to wait and see but I think these guys do realise it’s an exhibition and although they want to put their best foot forward, they aren’t going to go in there and try and kill each other.

Michael McKinson

British professional boxer 

Prediction: Roy Jones Jr 

I don’t really know the rules of the fight. I think it’s eight rounds, two minutes each round and bigger gloves I think.

Obviously that favours Tyson, being the older, the bigger guy, the less active cause he’s been retired 15 odd years now. So the shorter distance and shorter rounds will obviously favour Mike. I feel like Roy Jones is going to have the advantage in every other way in the fight.

I feel like he’ll get Tyson through the fight, because Tyson looks an old fighter 15-20 years ago whereas Roy has only been retired a couple of years now.

I don’t think they should be doing it. But I don’t think either of them will get hurt. I think they will look after each other in there.

James ‘Buster’ Douglas

American former professional boxer 

Prediction: Mike Tyson  

I think (Jones Jr) has a chance but it’s a slim chance. Slimmer than Buster Douglas.

Ben Davison

Josh Taylor’s head coach

Prediction: Clash of styles… too close to call 

If you’re over aggressive against Roy Jones Jr and you make mistakes and try to force things against him you’re going to get made to pay for doing so. 

The same with Mike Tyson. If you’re too aggressive against him you’re going to play into his hands.

The clash of styles will be a great boxing spectacle and I just hope both fighters leave the ring with their health. 

Floyd Mayweather

American professional boxing promoter and former professional boxer

Prediction: Sitting on the fence 

I think it’s going to be very interesting. I’m not here to say Tyson’s going to win it or Roy is going to win it but I’m pretty sure it’s going to be entertaining. 

May the best man win though. 

Amir Khan

British professional boxer 

Prediction: Roy Jones Jr 

I don’t know what’s made Mike and Roy fight each other. I mean, they might be friends, I don’t know. 

But who’s going to win this fight? Roy Jones, in my opinion. 

Tyron Woodley

American professional mixed martial artist and broadcast analyst

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I’ve studied them so much. I’ve watched so many films, so many fights with both of them. 

I think if Mike Tyson touches anybody, they’re going down no matter how old he is. I just don’t see him not touching Roy at some point in the fight.

Jeff Mayweather

American former professional 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

Overall, if I would have to bet my money, I would pick Tyson because I know he has the power. 

And as big as he is, he has some tremendous hand speed.

Khaos Williams

UFC welterweight 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

Man that’s a great fight. I got to go with Mike though, I really wanna see Mike win. 

I know Roy Jones, just had a fight not too long ago, a few years back if I’m not mistaken, but I’m pretty sure that Mike got it, man. 

Mentally I just think he is a different breed, that’s Mike Tyson.

Oscar De La Hoya 

American promoter and former professional boxer 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I’m going to have to go with Tyson. But it wouldn’t surprise me if Jones Jr pulls something off – like he always has in his career.

Jake Paul 

YouTuber, fighting on the undercard 

Prediction: Mike Tyson 

I think uncle Mike’s going to take it home. But Roy Jones is looking dangerous too.

I think he’s (Tyson) is gonna stop him. Those punches look vicious, I think round, fourth round he’s going to connect with one of those Mike Tyson’s uppercuts or hooks.