Questions were raised when it was announced that legendary fighters Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. were preparing to face off in an exhibition fight in California.
Doubts were cast over if the pair of legends would be fit and able to go the scheduled eight-round distance and whether it would be safe for either man to once again step back into the ring.
Both all-time greats were at the peak of their powers back in the 1990s but still contested each other just recently, now both over the age of 50 years old.
Fortunately the two came through their match-up relatively unscathed, with the boxing world that followed their careers decades ago breathing a huge sigh of relief.
The pair fought their way to a draw in the unofficial scoring but, after the final bell, Tyson refused to rule out leaving the sport for good and claimed he was open to further exhibitions down the line.
Tyson would have no shortage of options for yet another fight in the same manner throughout 2021, if he maintains his stance on pushing for even more exhibitions.
So, here potential next fight options for Tyson if he opts to once again step back into the squared-circle next year.
Roy Jones Jr.
The obvious choice and one that was immediately outlined in the aftermath of their initial bout.
A rematch between Tyson and Jones Jr. would have plenty of appeal if done in front of a crowd next time, with fans set to be allowed back in venues hopefully in the coming months.
Following the PPV success of the first clash, a second would present another big opportunity for more money to be made between two guys that now know each other well within the ring ropes.
Evander Holyfield
Another clash of all-time greats and a third meeting between legends. One of the most surreal scenes ever in a boxing ring occurred when Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson previously met back in 1997.
The infamous ‘ear bite’ fight took place over 20 years ago now, a year after the pair first met in the ring.
It was ‘The Real Deal’ that prevailed on both occasions, first stunning Tyson with an 11th-round KO then coming out on top via DQ the second time around.
Would anyone want to watch a third fight after 22 years? Holyfield has been pictured training at an older age and Tyson wants more. Watch this space.
Lennox Lewis
Tyson knows Lennox Lewis all too well. The two heavyweight legends traded leather back in 2002 when ‘Iron Mike’ was nearing the end of his professional career.
It was Lewis that dominated and halted Tyson in eight rounds that night in Tennessee.
But could the pair renew their rivalry in 2021? A rematch would cause a huge uproar with both men now well past their fighting days and at advanced ages. Though it would likely be another PPV hit and money talks in the boxing business.
Whoever Tyson decides to take on next in another exhibition bout, many fans will tune in to witness it, whether they like the idea of him carrying on or not.
