ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Martin Devlin: I stupidly fell for the grotesque Tyson v Jones circus act

Author
Martin Devlin,
Publish Date
Fri, 4 Dec 2020, 12:46PM

Martin Devlin: I stupidly fell for the grotesque Tyson v Jones circus act

Author
Martin Devlin,
Publish Date
Fri, 4 Dec 2020, 12:46PM

Grotesque. In a word unwatchable. I'm talking Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jnr last Sunday, a heavyweight "exhibition" fight from Vegas.

Yet I did (kind of) watch and, a week later, am left (still) wondering why I ever bothered. From a sporting point view it was  always going to lack authenticity, I mean what exactly is an "exhibition  fight" anyway?

Surely its either a fight or its not? I'm guessing by calling it that though the promoters could conveniently fudge the fact there was nothing really, bar individual reputations, at stake. In the months preceding the bout a very clever video campaign began leaking various small but intensely ferocious clips of Tyson training.

The sporting world was wowed out at the shape the 54yo was still in while his punching power seemed undiminished. Jones Jnr on the other hand climbed into the ring looking as old and weary as his age and stage would suggest. Eight 2min rounds later and the judges declared it, drum roll please, a draw. (Cue collective global audience groan). So we're probably now going to "have to have" a re-match? (Cue collective global audience boo).

But if you stop for a second and think about it...the opportunity to screw even more pay-per-view cash was always on the cards wasn't it? As essential a part of this plan as the big top, bearded lady, sideshows and ringmaster. For those not of the generation, I'm talking the full circus act. Because that's what this "exhibition" was.

A shameless way to make money both off and for a couple of old legends way way past their prime. And, really, is there anything overly wrong with that? More disappointing perhaps that I, stupidly, once again fell for it. What a way for the promoters to fudge the fact, and the way they swung at each other throughout their eight 2min rounds.

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you