02.10.05 – By Dino Alvarado: Seriously, how many people can play a game of semi-pro basketball in Alabama in the morning, fly to Florida, and successfully defend the IBF Light-Heavyweight championship at night? That’s what Roy Jones Jr. (49-4, 38 KO’s) did nine years ago to Eric Lucas, knocking him out in the 11th round. If that doesn’t speak enough of his talent, think about his accomplishments. He never went the distance as a professional until his 17th fight. Up until two years ago, he was never in danger of losing a match. That includes dominating victories over Bernard Hopkins, James Toney (who, at the time, was considered by many as the pound-for-pound best), and Mike McCallum. He was at one point the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, WBF, NBA, and IBA light-heavyweight champion of the world. Voted Ring magazine’s “Fighter of the Year” in 1994 and “Fighter of the Decade” in 1999 by the Boxing Writers Association of America, he was not only the best boxer of his generation; he was one of the best of all-time.
The creation of his fan club came in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Representing the United States, Jones lost a controversial decision in the final to a South Korean fighter. It was later revealed that the judges had taken bribes from Korean officials to vote against Jones. He would never accept the silver medal.
With an excellent pedigree as an amateur, he turned pro a year later. He won his first belt (the vacant IBF middleweight title) in 1993 winning a unanimous decision over Bernard Hopkins (scored 116-112 on all cards). He would never look back, dominating opponents over the next ten years, earning himself belts at four different weight classes (including becoming the
first boxer in 106 years to once be a middleweight and heavyweight champion by defeating John Ruiz). The only blemish would be a loss by DQ to Montell Griffin for hitting him while he was down. In the rematch later that year, Jones won by knockout in the 1st round.
Many wondered if he could handle adversity. What would happen if Jones was ever in the position of possible defeat? How would he respond? He answered that with a win over Antonio Tarver in 2003. Having lost nearly 25 pounds of muscle mass to make weight for the fight, he managed to come through in the championship rounds despite being driven to the ropes numerous times.
After the brawl, no one could question his heart because that’s exactly what he fought with that night.
With that said, we may never know how much more ruthless he could’ve been. Fellow boxer and good friend Gerald McClellan fought Nigel Benn in 1995, a bout that ended with Gerald collapsing in his corner in the 10th round and losing consciousness. He would be left blind and paralyzed from the waist down. Jones later set up a foundation to help his friend, but not only
did it affect Jones off the ring; it changed his style in it, too. He became more defensive and was afraid to go for the knockout in fear of leaving his opponent in the condition McClellan was in. The night Gerald nearly lost his life was the night Jones lost his vicious side, for good or bad.
Some super-fights never panned out involving his name, but never by any fault of his own. Felix Trinidad and Mike Tyson were knocked out by Hopkins and Lennox Lewis, respectively. Jones simply beat who was put in front of him. Those who criticized him for hand-picking opponents early in the 21st century must’ve had short memories; many of the top boxers in the past and present have a loss on their record due to Roy. His combination of speed and power made him an intimidating figure for most of his career. You can say whatever you want about his cockiness, his attempted rap and acting careers, or the way he’s lost his last three fights. One thing’s for sure; on his best day, you would’ve never stepped in the ring with him.