Square Ring Promotions and Hrunov Promotions announced today that Roy Jones, Jr. (56-9, 40 KO’s) would be back in the ring on December 21, 2013 in Moscow, Russia in a 12 round WBU Cruiserweight title fight against Frenchman Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf (17-3-1, 8 KO’s).
“Roy is excited to be coming back to Russia to fight, and we are very happy that we were able to put this together so quickly with our good friend and partner Vlad Hrunov,” said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions. “We are disappointed that the fight with Bobby Gunn didn’t happen, but there were just too many loose ends, and it was taking far too long. Vlad came forward and closed the deal on Monday. We have a longstanding relationship with him and his team and knew that he could make it happen.”
“I told Bobby that I would fight him. I meant it then and mean it now,” said Roy Jones. “On Saturday, John told me that they were still trying to make changes to the contract, but that he could make a deal with Vlad, so I told him that the first one to close a deal was where I was gonna go and Russia won. That’s why we’re calling this fight ‘Winner Take All.’”
“This is my early Christmas present to all Russian boxing fans,” said Vlad Hrunov. “Most Americans don’t realize how much Roy is loved here in Russia—he’s bigger than Ali or Tyson. Russian fans want to root for Roy—that’s why I picked a foreign opponent for him. December 21 is going to be a huge Christmas party and a great night of boxing.”
“I encouraged Roy to take the fight in Russia,” said McGee Wright, Jones’ longtime manager. “We have been developing the Russian market for the past couple of years and it was the perfect time for Roy to fight there again. It’s always a pleasure to visit, and we are looking forward to another RJJ classic!”