'Weird' Rule When Mike Tyson Comes Back To The Boxing Ring: No KO Roy Jones Jr.

Mike Tyson (Instagram @miketyson)

JAKARTA - Mike Tyson will not be allowed to bring down Roy Jones Jr during the most eagerly awaited exhibition match on Saturday night.

Former 'Iron' heavyweight champion Mike made a shock comeback to the ring at the age of 54, nearly 14 since he last fought.

He will face fellow boxing legend Jones, 51, who claimed world titles in four separate heavyweights during his illustrious career.

Both boxers dismissed suggestions that they would not be taking this weekend's fight seriously. They also criticized the WBC's decision to reduce the round duration from three minutes to two minutes.

However, no official winner will be announced after the eight-round bout at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California is over.

California State Athletic Commission chairman Andy Foster confirmed that the contest would be stopped if Tyson or Jones continued to beat each other, while knockouts would not be allowed.

UFC President Dana White is confused by the rules set for the exhibition bout. He said: “No KO? They weren't allowed to knock over each other?

"How do you enforce the rules?"

Tyson and Jones don't have to wear protective headgear, but they will wear the larger 12oz gloves in hopes of minimizing injury.

They will also fight 16 minutes shorter given their age and, especially in Tyson's case, they haven't been in the ring in a long time.

'Iron' Mike last competed in a series of exhibition matches against Corey Sanders in 2006, while his last professional contest came with a knockout defeat against Kevin McBride the previous year.

Jones was last in action in February 2018, when he won on points over Scott Sigmon.