Former three-weight world champion Jeff Fenech fears for Roy Jones Jr. if Mike Tyson lands a big shot in their September 12 bout in Carson, California.
Australian Fenech previously trained Tyson and Danny Green who spectacularly knocked out Jones in 2009. He believes the high-profile, eight-round exhibition bout will become serious business as soon as one of the veterans lands a significant blow.
“I think if one of them hits the other [hard], it could be a war and we might have something unforeseen 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,” Fenech told the Sporting News.
“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.
“Danny Green doesn’t punch at all like Mike Tyson. I guarantee that – I trained them both,” added Fenech. “I’d hate Roy to get hurt, but Mike just looks so powerful. And he looks so great at the moment. He looks as good as he’s ever looked. His chest is pumped, it’s great to see him. It’s great to see Roy train, but I’d hate for anyone to get hurt. I think Mike is a good enough person and he’ll look after Roy.”
Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Tyson hasn’t fought since a sixth-round retirement loss to Ireland’s Kevin McBride in 2005, but has whipped himself into fabulous shape for a 54-year-old. Jones, 51, has campaigned long past his peak, but hasn’t boxed since a decision win over Scott Sigmon in 2018.