Old-stager revival the new normal

Tyson set for ring return, De La Hoya hoping to follow

In the pandemic era, the sweet science is devolving into a sideshow for seniors.

After 54-year-old Mike Tyson goes toe-to-fin with a killer shark in a Discovery Channel global special on Aug 9, will the former undisputed world heavyweight champion be in the right frame of mind to face spry 51-year-old former four-division champ Roy Jones Jr on Sept 12?

And what's up with Oscar De La Hoya? Last week, the 11-time world champion, who hung up his gloves in 2008, announced on social media he can "still do some damage" at age 47 and that he's "seriously considering" returning to the ring to challenge for the 160-pound title.

After months of teasing the world by posting explosive workout videos on Instagram, Tyson confirmed on the weekend that he's signed to duke it out with Jones in the eight-round headliner on a card dubbed "The Frontline Battle", which will be distributed globally on pay-per-view through Triller, an online entertainment platform.

The bout will be staged at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Jones, who won world championships in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, retired in 2018 with a record of 66-9－47 of his victories coming via knockout. Tyson retired in 2005 after compiling a career mark of 50-6, with 44 KOs.

In an interview with ESPN's Max Kellerman, Tyson said he's "deadly serious" about his comeback－just days after announcing his upcoming appearance on the Discovery Channel's Shark Week special, during which he "interacts" with one of the ocean's deadliest predators.

"Roy and I are both accomplished fighters. We know how to take care of ourselves … we'll be alright. Trust me," said Tyson. "I'm looking to be 100 percent of Mike Tyson in the ring … I'm a neophyte when it comes to taking it easy. I don't know how to do it that way. I have one speed: forward. Roy is just going to have to deal with that."

Tyson said the bout will take place under the umbrella of a new company he's launching in Legends Only League, which is co-owned by Eros Innovations, a venture creation group. He said he was motivated to start the league in order to give sports stars of yesteryear "a second lease on engaging in competition".

"The fact is, we live a different lifestyle," said Tyson. "I never took that many punches. I lived my life. I've been through some experiences, and now I'm back. I feel that I took care of my body and state of mind better than most fighters that retired before me and came back…It's going to be amazing. I'm looking forward to it."

Tyson lost three of his last four fights before retiring. He said he's returning to the ring at this stage of his life because it's for charity－and he feels he can still compete.

"It's just because I can do it, and I believe other people believe they can do it too. Just because I'm 54, it doesn't mean I have to start a new career, that my life is totally over. Not when you feel as beautiful as I do. I'm sure other people feel the same way," he said.

California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster told BoxingScene.com that Tyson and Jones won't be donning headgear for the fight. They'll wear 12-ounce gloves and there won't be any judges, so technically there won't be a winner unless a knockout somehow occurs, or either fighter is deemed unfit to continue.

Meanwhile, De La Hoya, the 1992 Olympic lightweight gold medalist who posted a record of 39-6 with 30 KOs and won titles in six divisions, isn't ruling out a fight against reigning pound-for-pound king and super middleweight champ Saul "Canelo" Alvarez within the next six months.

"Canelo is an amazing fighter and he hits like a mule," De La Hoya told boxingnews.com. "That's a challenge. I never back down from anybody, but we'll have to wait and see.

"I can do something. I can do some damage to some fighters out there. Skill is involved... and my power. You never lose the power. Maybe my timing might be off a little, but that's something I'm going to have to figure out."