ROY JONES JR was sure his career ‘was done’ until a ‘bucket-list’ Mike Tyson fight forced him out of retirement.
The American faces fellow legend Tyson next weekend in an eight-round exhibition.
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After Jones became heavyweight world champion in 2003, he desperately wanted to face Iron Mike.
So when the opportunity finally came knocking 17 years later, it proved too good to turn down.
Jones said: “I thought I was done.
“When I got the call from my team saying ‘Mike Tyson wants to fight you’ — that’s bucket-list material.
“Everywhere I go in life, people ask me ‘Hey, did you ever fight Mike Tyson?’ Now I don’t have to say ‘No’ no more.
“I’m so glad to get this opportunity because now I can say, ‘Yes, I did. I sure did.’
“And guess what? Tune in on the 28th, and you’ll see how it goes.”
Jones, 51, only retired in 2018 after four straight wins, against little-known opposition.
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Tyson, 54, on the other hand has not fought since 2005, as he retired following two dismal defeats.
But this year he announced shock plans to make a comeback, 15 years after his last bout, and has dramatically transformed his body.
Despite the expected ring rust, Jones is preparing for the best possible Tyson – including the version that won the title aged 20.
He said: “Going into the ring with one of the most dangerous men to ever grace the boxing ring.
“One of the hardest punchers in heavyweight history, the youngest heavyweight champion of all time.
“Are you going to not prepare? Are you crazy? You should prepare just as hard as the last time you went in the ring.”
