Social media platform Triller has hit back at claims that the Mike Tyson versus Roy Jones Jr exhibition in Los Angeles this Saturday night will not be a genuine competition, insisting that knockouts will be permitted and that the bout will be scored on a 10-9 must system.
The comments are at odds with a statement from California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) executive director Andy Foster, who explained the rules to MMA Fighting earlier in the week.
“Let’s call it an exhibition. That’s what it is. I want the public to know what this is because I don’t want people to be disappointed,” Foster said. “As long as they know this is an exhibition, I’m fine for everybody to earn.
“There’s no official judges. The WBC is going to have some guest celebrity judges remotely, not official, not 10-9, nothing like that. No cumulative score. No winner announced. That’s a very entertainment centred thing. It’s about entertainment. It’s not about competition. It is what it is and it’s not more than it is but it’s going to be fun.”
Triller will be broadcasting the bout in the US. The WBC will be using celebrity judges who will be working remotely with their scores used for entertainment purposes.
Triller co-owner Ryan Kavanaugh continues to insist the bout is much more than an exhibition.
“Know there have been some false rumours swirling, so to be crystal clear – the WBC is scoring the fight,” Kavanaugh said.
“There could be a knockout and there will be one winner. Anyone who says there is going to be no judging or no winner either does not understand the rules or has their own agenda. Unquestionably. 100%.
“The only difference in this fight is the gloves are 12 ounces, there are eight rounds and the rounds are two minutes rather than three. That is it.”
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman reaffirmed the nature of their involvement in the bout to Yahoo Sports.
“The only authority is the California State Athletic Commission,” Sulaiman wrote to journalist Kevin Iole.
“The WBC is celebrating this great event and providing a special award of honour to both Tyson and Jones with a unique WBC belt. For added entertainment and technology demonstration there will be three celebrity judges in an unofficial capacity.”
Triller continued to contradict the WBC’s position.
“We have nothing but the utmost respect for Andy and everyone at CSAC,” Kavanaugh said. “For total clarity, we are not implying that CSAC is picking a winner or scoring this, WBC is doing both.
“WBC is scoring under a 10-9, and a knockout will be a win under WBC’s scoring. The results will not be reflected on their fight record.
“We apologise for any confusion and look forward to a great night of fights Saturday night.”
The confusion has led to some bookmakers removing betting on the bout.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson, 53, has not fought since being stopped in six rounds by Kevin McBride in Washington 15 years ago.
Former four-division world champion Jones, 51, outpointed journeyman Scott Sigmon in Pensacola, Florida in his last outing in February 2018.
