Mike Tyson Vs Roy Jones Jr Drew Over 1 Million Pay-Per-View Buys In 'Biggest Fight For Awhile'

Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr reportedly drew 1.2 million pay-per-view buys in the United States and it's been dubbed a 'shockingly high number.'

Tyson and Jones Jr fought to a draw inside the STAPLES Center over the weekend and it was 'Iron Mike's' first action inside a boxing ring since 2005.

Streaming service Triller paid 'north of $50 million' to secure rights to the fight and per Dan Rafael, their investment was worth it.

Sources said the buyrate is definitely over 1 million and looks to be inching towards the 1.2 million mark.

The fight coming over thanksgiving weekend is said to have had an impact, as well as the coronavirus pandemic keeping people at home.

A lowered $50 price tag as well as it being Tyson's first fight in 15 years also contributed.

YouTube star Jake Paul fought on the undercard, defeating NBA point guard Nate Robinson in the second round.

Tyson donated all his earnings to charity and admitted after the fight he'd love to go at it once every two months.

"This is better than fighting for championships. We're humanitarians now," the 54-year-old begun.

"We can do something good for the world. We've got to do this again. It has to be competitive. I once had 15 fights in one year. Let's just try and work closer to that."

Jones Jr seemed hesitant to take another fight with the 'Baddest Man on the Planet,' but former rival Evander Holyfield welcomes the challenge.

Holyfield officially called Tyson out on Tuesday evening stating he is 'ready for war.'

'The Real Deal' said: "My side tried to make the fight happen and we got nothing but excuses. Now I can see why he wanted a tune-up fight before thinking about me.

"Roy Jones was a good local opponent for Mike.

"But a fight with me would be a global event and the only fight that anyone wants to see fight is between us.

"There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't make it happen.

"No more excuses. This is the fight that must happen for both our legacies. Saturday night you said you were ready to fight me, so sign the contract and get in the ring, Tyson.

"The world is waiting and it's on you. I'm ready."

Topics: Mike Tyson, Boxing News, Roy Jones Jr, Boxing

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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