Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.: Odds, preview, and prediction
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In 2020, bettors shouldn't be surprised by anything. After all, two of the hottest markets in the spring were marble racing and table tennis.
The newest commodity? A bout between a pair of boxing legends.
After months of teasing on social media, Mike Tyson will be back in the boxing ring. He and Roy Jones Jr. agreed to face off in an eight-round exhibition, which prompted oddsmakers to get to work.
If you're looking to get down on one of the most intriguing, unique betting matchups of the year, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know about the September tilt.
Odds
Tyson opened as the favorite in a majority of shops, though the prices fluctuated. While some opened Tyson in the -170 range, others made him steep chalk at -300. As things stand Friday, Tyson is firmly in the -200 range around the marketplace.
Tale of the tape
Tyson, 54, last fought in 2005. He suffered a defeat to Kevin McBride, giving him three losses in his final four fights. Tyson's currently 50-6, with 44 victories coming via knockout. He's only been an underdog once - to Lennox Lewis in 2002 - and has never closed shorter than -200 in his career.
Jones, 51, won't have as much trouble dusting off the cobwebs. Captain Hook last fought in February 2018, picking up a victory over Scott Sigmon. Jones is an impressive 66-9 and comes into the September clash against Tyson a winner in each of his last four bouts. The Florida native has a marginal edge in height and a 3-inch advantage in reach over his counterpart.
Prediction
What can we expect in a bout with so many question marks? Andy Foster, the executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, told BoxingScene's Manouk Akopyan that there won't be any headgear or judges - just 12-ounce gloves and eight rounds to decide a winner.
"They can move around and make some money, but I told them, 'If you get cut, it's over,'" Foster said.
If that's the case, both boxers should start out at a slower pace. Expect a feeling-out process early before Tyson takes over later in the rounds.
Lay the chalk on the former undisputed heavyweight champ.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.