Tag Archives: Roy Jones Jr.

Posted on 08/10/2020

By: Hans Themistode

With 15 years since his last ring appearance, fans of Mike Tyson should have no problem waiting a bit longer for his return. 

As first reported by The Athletic, the former heavyweight champion will have his highly anticipated matchup against Roy Jones Jr. pushed back from its original September 12th date, to November 28th. 

Reasoning behind the postponement is reportedly due to time and money. When the news first broke of the iconic boxers agreeing to terms for a heavyweight matchup, social media exploded. Despite the $50 dollar price tag associated with their September bout, most were seemingly onboard to watch two legends settle a near 20 year question of who is the better fighter. 

In the early 2000s, Tyson’s aura of invincibility was all but gone. Losses to James Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis proved that the Brooklyn native was no longer “The Baddest Man On The Planet.” Jones Jr. on the other hand, was fresh off his fourth world title win against then WBA champion John Ruiz. Talks of a contest between the two never materialized however. Until recently. 

The entire vision behind the Tyson vs Jones Jr. contest needed more time to complete as a ten part docu series will lead viewers into the bout. That, along with the assumption that the slightly longer anticipation will generate more dollars have led to the delay. 

While fans will have to patiently wait a bit longer, the unexpected setback will give both fighters, who are well into their 50s, more time to prepare. 

For both men, the end of their careers was not kind. Tyson hung up the gloves in 2005 after back to back knockout losses to Kevin McBride and Danny Williams. Following his matchup with McBride, Tyson revealed that he was no longer the same man who wanted to annihilate his opponents. 

“I just don’t have the desire nomore,” said Tyson in 2005 following his loss to McBride. “I don’t have the stomach to do it no more.”

Nevertheless, 15 years later, Tyson has seemingly found that desire once again. 

As for Jones Jr. his career stretched out far beyond his golden years. The Florida native may have called it a career in 2018, but with no world title wins under his belt since 2003, Jones Jr. fought as a shadow of his former self for nearly two decades. 

With that being said, he did win his last four contests albeit against subpar competition. 

In both of their primes, the question of who was the better fighter always drove boxing circles crazy. Now, well into their 50s, they won’t be able to answer that question completely, but they can certainly give a glimpse into what could have happened. 

Still, fans will have to wait a few more months to see how things play out. 

Posted on 07/27/2020

By: Hans Themistode

The boxing world couldn’t help but yell in excitement once former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and pound for pound great, Roy Jones Jr. announced their contest. On September 12th, both men will end their retirement and dust the gloves off one more time. 

Choosing a winner between the two has been the topic of conversations for the past few days. But while most of the world is wondering how things will play out, former two division world champion Antonio Tarver is trying to figure out what’s the point.

“I hope they do their thing,” said Tarver on his social media account. “It’ll be great. But come on, beating a Roy Jones, knocking out Roy Jones, I mean we done seen that shit before. But if Roy Jones beats Mike Tyson then what does that mean? If he looks good against Mike Tyson then what does that really mean?”

What it would mean is unclear, but Tarver is hoping that a win for Jones Jr. could lead to a fourth fight against arguably his biggest rival. The two shared the ring together in the mid 2000s. Jones Jr. would famously move up to the heavyweight division to grab a heavyweight title from then WBA champion John Ruiz. Following that win, rumors between Tyson and Jones Jr. began to circulate, but their contest never materialized. 

Instead, the newly crowned heavyweight champion dropped down in weight to the light heavyweight division and took home a close decision win against Tarver. Believing that victory was nothing more than a fluke, Tarver got his hands on Jones Jr. in an immediate rematch, knocking him out in the second round. 

The two would meet for a third and final time one year later. Tarver would prove that he was in fact the better fighter as he scored a unanimous decision victory. 

With back to back wins over Jones Jr. Tarver believes he’s the last person that he wants to see inside of the ring, even at the age of 51.

“I believe both of them are running from their adversaries. You know Holyfield got Tyson number, I obviously have Roy Jones number, obviously. But they choose to fight each other, they running from their adversaries.”

Posted on 07/23/2020

By: Hans Themistode

When Mike Tyson announced his comeback to the ring several months ago, many were incredulous to the news of the now 54 year old former champion. However, after the Brooklyn native began dropping workout videos, the boxing world began to take him seriously. 

"I'M BACK!"

ICYMI: 53-year-old Mike Tyson looks ready 🥊 🤯

(via @MikeTyson | @ESPNRingside)pic.twitter.com/ArHmgpxvYw

— ESPN (@espn) May 12, 2020

With 15 years since his last ring appearance, Tyson looked like a brand new man in recent footage. The beer belly had been replaced with a new found six pack and his deleterious punching power seemed to be still present. 

Even with his beard completely grey, not many fighters were jumping at the opportunity to step into the ring against him. Nevertheless, former four division world champion Roy Jones Jr. has not only raised his hand, but he has also been selected. 

The two hall of famers are slated to shake off the retirement dust face one another on September 12th, in an eight round exhibition in California on pay-per-view. 

For both Tyson and Jones Jr. this contest has been in the making for nearly two decades. 

In March of 2003, Jones moved up from the light heavyweight division to challenge then WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz. Jones would go on to grab the title and talks immediately began between the two for a huge showdown. 

Of course, like many super fights in the sport of boxing, issues over money began to linger and their dream matchup fell apart entirely. 

Jones would go on to drop down to the light heavyweight division, but was a shell of his former pound for pound self. Tyson would also continue his career, but the moniker “Baddest Man On The Planet,” no longer applied to him. 

With both fighters now agreeing to step into the ring against one another, their entire fight card is shaping up to be a memorable one. According to reports this will not be a traditional event. Both professional boxers and MMA fighters will face off against one another on the undercard. 

There is no word yet as to who will participate, nor has there been any reports of what the rules will be. But at the moment, Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr will officially take place on September 12th.

Posted on 04/19/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Tyson Fury wears a few different hats. 

One of those would be the one that he wears at home as a husband and father. Another, is one that names him one of the best Heavyweight fighters in the world. His most recent hat, which calls him the WBC Heavyweight champion, is one that he wears daily, but not everyone believes he should be sporting it.

“It’s not over,” former champion Deontay Wilder told The PBC Podcast. ‘In my eyes I don’t see Fury as a champion. It’s still going, he ain’t the champion yet, we’ve got one more fight left.” 

The scoreboard might be tilted in Fury’s favor at 1-0-1, through two fights with Wilder, but most of the world believes that Fury is the better fighter. Regardless, Wilder is right. The two have one more fight which was scheduled to take place in mid July. But with COVID-19 pressing pause on all sporting events, their rematch has been pushed back tentatively to October.

But forget about their third contest for a moment. Wilder not viewing Fury as a champion doesn’t sit well with someone who knows a thing or two being one. 

“The guy beat you,” said hall of famer Roy Jones Jr. “You fought a seven-round fight and a 12-round fight, that’s 19 rounds and the guy probably won 14 or 15 of the 19 rounds, so how can you say he’s not a real champion? He beat you and took you out for your title, so how can you say he’s not a real champion? You can’t call him nothing but a real champion.”

Wilder may not have the boxing skills that Fury does, but he does have a right hand that no one else in boxing has either. With that being said, the former champ is being overlooked as the boxing world looks toward a more interesting contest. 

Anthony Joshua is an enigma. On one end he’s a unified champion with a great resume. But on the other hand, something seems to be missing. Joshua was on the wrong end of a knockout loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in June of 2019 before bouncing back six months later. He’s a great fighter, but the best in the world? That’s a tough question to answer. 

Joshua believes so, and he’s spent a bit of time recently calling out Fury in every single interview. It’s come to the point where if Joshua is asked what time it is, he is likely to bring up Fury’s name instead. 

A win over Wilder isn’t a given for Fury, but he has called Wilder one of the easiest fights he’s ever had. A matchup with Joshua though, could be the real test he’s looking for.

“It’s going to be a good fight,’ said Jones. ‘I think it’s going to be a tougher fight for him [Fury] than Wilder was because Joshua has more weaponry in terms of what he can bring to the table. He’s already brought a few plans to the table, so it’ll be tough.”

Posted on 02/09/2018

By Bryanna Fissori 

A small bit of history has been made. Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has fought his last bout, and UFC Fight Pass has aired its first boxing card.

Island Fights 46 hosted the farewell match for Roy Jones Jr. (65-9) on February 8th against Scott Sigmon (30-11-1). At the age of 49, Jones has had quite a career. He still contends that he can keep up with the young boxers, but has opted to give them a break.

The Bout Goes the Distance

To the surprise of many, the bout lasted all ten rounds. Jones spent much of that time conversing with his cornermen, proving that this really was just another day at the office for this veteran of the ring.

Sigmon worked hard to close the distance and pressure Jones against the ropes. He was actually fairly successful in burying his head in the chest of Jones and throwing repeated strikes from the inside. The problem was one of quality versus quantity. Jones still landed clean shots from the inside, leaving Sigmon visibly worn down. Jones was much more successful than Sigmon at landing when there was any sort of space available.

At one point a commentator stated, “If Roy Jones could use his thumbs he would probably be texting during this fight.”

Jones won by unanimous decision.

UFC Fight Pass Format

As the inaugural card for boxing on UFC Fight Pass, there were several similarities to UFC organized productions. The “tale of the tape” was very similar to that of UFC or other MMA productions. This is when the two competitor’s statistics are compared side by side. The introduction of the fighters was also very similar to the presentation in a UFC main card.

UFC Fight Pass is a content streaming service that currently works with MMA organizations from around the world as well as kickboxing, Muay Thai and submission grappling. Plus subscribers have VOD access to over 16,000 historical fights from 37 promotions, documentaries and the UFC’s TV archive.

The UFC Fight Pass production crew does have some say in how the event is conducted, but the promotions are not required to mimic the UFC format.

UFC Fight Pass and Boxing

“This is the first live boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS. I love being the first to do something, so to be the first boxing event on UFC FIGHT PASS is cool. When I turned pro back in 1989, I said I wanted to bring new audiences boxing and that’s what I tried to do. By having my last night as a fighter on the UFC’s (streaming service) I’m bringing new eyeballs to boxing and I’m throwing a spotlight on the boxing and MMA fighters who are on the event,” said Jones.

“I’m been a fan of the UFC for years. Me and (UFC President) Dana White have been friends for a long time, since before he even got started with the UFC. We’ve talked about FIGHT PASS showing a fight (of mine) and it has come about perfectly.”

Another interesting mention was in round five when the commentators discussed this bout being the last for Jones. Apparently he is still interested in a potential superfight with UFC star Anderson Silva. They seem to believe it is a possibility.

This would not be the first MMA/Boxing crossover, though it would be an interesting one. The UFC intends to start their own boxing promotion under the name “Zuffa Boxing,” opening up more opportunities for boxing competitors and fans. 

Posted on 07/19/2016

Boxing Insider Notebook: Canelo, Smith, Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr., Jackson, Guerrero, and more…
By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of July 12th to July 19th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Photo Credit: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

Canelo vs. Smith Officially Announced for AT&T Stadium

Former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) kicked off the two-city international press tour at AT&T Stadium ahead of their world championship showdown on Saturday, Sept. 17. Located in Arlington, Texas, AT&T Stadium is home to one of the most iconic and successful sports teams in history – the Dallas Cowboys, and will host the big event between Canelo and Smith on Mexican Independence Day weekend, Sept. 17. Canelo vs. Smith will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on Sept. 17. The heavy-handed combatants will head next to London, England for a press conference at The Landmark Hotel on July 20, 2016.

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, led those present at today’s press conference in a moment of silence to honor the victims of the recent tragedy affecting the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Area Rapid Transit officers.

Below is what the fighters, their teams, promoters and Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones had to say at today’s press conference:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“I had to work for my birthday, so I’m here to work. I’m very happy to be back in Texas again, in this beautiful stadium. I’m going to take this fight seriously and prepare like always. I know how I’m going to have to train. I like to give the fans a great fight, and that is what I will prepare for.”

LIAM “BEEFY” SMITH, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“I am very excited, I have asked for a top name for a very long time and when Canelo’s name came to the table it was an automatic ‘yes.’

“We are coming very prepared for this fight, and I’m coming to win.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Everything is bigger in Texas, and here we are the iconic AT&T Stadium, where we have two world champion fighters known for knocking out opponents in the ring with their strength and power. Come Mexican Independence weekend, former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez will face the undefeated WBO junior middleweight world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith for his title.

“Here you have Liam Smith, an aggressive, relentless fighter. His previous eight opponents have fallen before the final bell. And then you have Canelo Alvarez, who is only getting more and more powerful with each of his devastating victories.

“Both of these fighters come from boxing families. Boxing is in their blood. To Canelo and Smith, fighting is a family tradition and with that comes a responsibly to live up to the family name. That said, both of them will come to the ring on September 17 to wage a war: for Canelo, to claim a new title as the WBO junior middleweight world champion and for Smith, to successfully defend his WBO title once again and make a name for himself in the U.S.

“While the fights will be the highlight of the weekend–Golden Boy, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys will bring the people a week full of fun activities that fans will enjoy for the entirety of fight week.”

Floyd Mayweather States that the Baton Rouge Killer is Not a Member of The Money Team
Floyd Mayweather says Gavin Long — who went on a cop-killing rampage in Baton Rouge on Sunday — is NOT affiliated with The Money Team … despite the fact he posted several videos sporting TMT gear.
“Gavin Long is not member of TMT by any means,” Floyd’s rep tells TMZ Sports.

“Floyd doesn’t want the TMT brand to be affiliated with the violent act Gavin has caused and neither Floyd nor anyone else from TMT knows him.”

“He is just a random guy who supported the brand but we don’t support him and what he did to those police officers.”

Officials say Long shot 6 officers — killing 3 of them — during an apparent anti-cop shooting spree.
It was later discovered that Long had previously posted several ranting videos on YouTube — and wore a TMT hat and had a TMT sticker on his chair in some of the clips.

http://www.tmz.com/2016/07/18/floyd-mayweather-baton-rouge-killer-is-not-on-the-money-team/

Roy Jones Jr. Considering Five Fight Farewell Tour

47-year-old Roy Jones Jr. says he’s finally ready to hang ’em up … but he wants to go out by flooring 5 more fighters.

The boxing legend tells TMZ Sports he was inspired by the way Kobe Bryant called it quits this year — and says he’d really like a farewell tour of his own.

In fact, RJJ says he wants to line up 5 more fights before the end of the year … but he wants to take on guys he KNOWS he can beat.

“Five guys you should be able to deal with and call it a day.”

Roy says nothing’s in stone yet … but he’s definitely considering it.

http://www.tmz.com/2016/07/19/roy-jones-jr-retirement/

Robert Guerrero to Face David Peralta

Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-4-1) taking on David Emanuel Peralta (25-2-1) on Saturday, August 27 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT) from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

Robert Guerrero is among the biggest names in boxing today, having fought the sport’s marquee names like Floyd Mayweather. A former world champion in multiple weight classes, he owns signature victories over Andre Berto and Joel Casamayor. But now Guerrero is on a quest to return to the top of the welterweight division beginning with this matchup on August 27. He must defeat the hard-hitting Argentinian slugger David Emanuel Peralta to see his dreams of sitting atop the division realized once again.

The tripleheader also features all-action slugger Alfredo Angulo (24-5)taking on battle-tested Freddy Hernandez (33-8)in a battle of Mexican brawlers. A fan favorite in Southern California, Angulo enters this fight coming off of two knockout victories and he will look to make it three in a row when he steps into the ring on August 27. A veteran of many exciting 154-pound contests, Angulo is looking to continue to make noise in the middleweight division against Hernandez, who has won his last three fights heading into this showdown.

Rounding out the night of televised fights is 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (18-0) putting his undefeated record on the line against the Bronx’s Steve Martinez (16-2). Fighting out of Cleveland, Gausha has risen up the rankings with five victories in 2015 and a seventh round stoppage of Orlando Lora in April. Now he will test himself against against the dangerous Martinez, who has recorded knockouts in 13 of his 16 victories.

Jerry Odom to Face Julius Jackson

Prospect Jerry Odom steps up to face Julius Jackson in a matchup of super middleweights next Friday, July 22 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

The hard-hitting Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) replaces Ronald Ellis, who pulled out of the bout on Thursday with a right hand injury.

Odom was deep in training and looking to bounce back from a controversial draw with Ellis in February on ShoBox when he received the opportunity to face Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs). Jackson is the older brother of John and son of former two-division world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson.

“I have been training for a few fights that fell through. I’m in shape and ready to go,” Odom said. “When my team got the call we decided it was the right decision to take this opportunity.
“My power will be a big factor. Jackson has faced punchers before, but he hasn’t faced one like me. This is a great opportunity, and I will put on a show next Friday.”

Undefeated top 10-ranked super bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. In an eight round lightweight bout, O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs).

The July 22 ShoBox telecast marks the 15-year anniversary of the celebrated prospect developmental series.

Miguel Flores to Face Ryan Kielczweski on August 12th for the PBC

Undefeated rising contender Miguel Flores (20-0, 9 KOs) takes on exciting once-beaten featherweight contender Ryan Kielczweski (25-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Friday, August 12 from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight showdown between unbeaten contender Bryant Perrella (14-0, 13 KOs) and Cuban Olympian Yordenis Ugas (15-3, 7 KOs) in 10-rounds of action.

“Fighting on ESPN is incredible because you know that fans from all around the world will be tuning in,” said Flores. “My opponent is a very skilled fighter, so I’ll be at my best when we step in the ring on August 12. Expect me to go to war and bring a lot of action to those who will be watching.”
“It’s always exciting to be fighting on ESPN, especially in the main event,” said Kielczweski. “Training is going well and I’ve been traveling around to get great sparring. I don’t know much about Flores other than that he’s undefeated for a reason. If I perform on August 12 hopefully something big will come next that leads me towards a title. It’s going to be an exciting night and an electric fight.”

David Benavidez to Face Denis Douglin on August 5th

Undefeated rising contender David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez (15-0, 14 KOs) is set to face super middleweight contender Denis Douglin (20-4, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Friday, August 5 live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with exciting lightweight contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (20-0, 15 KOs) taking on Ireland’s Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round attraction.

“We never stopped training after my last fight,” said Benavidez. “We went right back into camp and I’m already in fighting shape. Douglin is a tough southpaw. We’ll start looking at tape and see what kind of holes he has. I’ll start with the jab and break him down. We’re working hard towards bigger and bigger fights. This is going to be a great night of action.”

“I plan on applying pressure and making Benavidez adjust to my style,” said Douglin. “He’s a tall, strong fighter, but he doesn’t use his height. He’s one-dimensional, but he’s very good at what he does. He doesn’t have the experience to deal with my style. I am stepping in with an undefeated fighter but he will leave the ring with a loss.”