Will Roy Jones Ever Exemplify His Claim To Greatness?
By Francis Walker
Roy Jones, Jr., arguably the best fighter in the world, "Pound-For-Pound," has
been a professional prize fighter for nearly 9 1/2 years. At 29 years of age, Jones, a
native of Pensacola, Florida, has won world titles in three weight divisions. Despite his
various achievements from 160 to 175-pounds, Jones (37-1, 31KOs) still lacks the appeal
and the drawing power to be recognized as an all-time great. Its a shame how a fighter
like Jones, whose skills and impact are reminiscent of those of Ray Robinson, Ray Leonard,
and Muhammad Ali, does not have the same following of an Oscar De La Hoya, or a Mike
Tyson. What is it going to take for Jones to exemplify his claim to greatness?
Coming straight off one of the biggest robberies in Olympic boxing history, Jones, a
sliver medallist in the 1988 Olympics, withered into obscurity after his pro debut in May
1989. Despite winning his first 17 pro fights by Kayo, Jones was virtually unheard of by
fans and boxing writers for years. Aside from several appearances on HBO Sports, Jones
didn't start to gain star status until May 22, 1993, defeating Bernard Hopkins (W 12) for
the then vacant IBF middleweight championship. Jones' reign did not last long, having
successfully defended the title once against Thomas Tate (KO 2).
Everyone thought Jones' one-sided decision against former IBF super middleweight champion
James Toney (W 12) in December 1995 would make up for Jones' various setbacks... Although
the fight did land Jones a lucrative multi-fight contract with HBO, Jones' aura was still
a mere question mark. How can a fighter, billed as "The Next Chapter In Boxing
History," have a career with no direction?
Between 1995-96, Jones made six defenses of the International Boxing Federation 168-pound
title. But against whom??? Who will remember Antoine Byrd (KO 1)? Does anyone really care
about "The Punching Post-Man" Tony Thornton (KO
3)? How about Bryant Brannon (KO 2) and Merqui Sosa (KO 2)? Although he still has a
following, Vinny Pazienza (KO 6) is not in the same league of a Roy Jones. Its nice to
have recognizable names, but Jones-Pazienza was a fight that should never have been made!
Not to mention, the fact that on one occasion Jones played basketball and fought in one
night. Against someone like a Evander Holyfield it would have been great! But an Eric
Lucas (TKO 11)? I rest my case!
On November 22, 1996, Jones moved-up to his third weight class to defeat Mike McCallum for
the WBC light heavyweight crown. It was clear Jones was going to win, but is was also
clear Jones carried McCallum through 12-rounds!
Last year, Jones' career did spark a little interest when he suffered the first loss of
his career. On March 21, 1997, Jones, barely leading on the judges scorecards, was
disqualified for twice hitting Montell Griffin (L DQ 7) when he was down on the mat. Since
Jones avenged his the loss with a savage first-round kayo of Griffin last Summer, Jones
has taken a rather unique
approach in 1998.
In two fights this year, Jones answered some of the many questions fans, writers, and
boxing supporters were asking for years. What would happen if Jones were to fight a
relatively larger man? Last April, Jones answered that question when he knocked out former
two-time light heavyweight king Virgil Hill (KO 4) with a single right-hand to his
ribcage.
As recently as July18, at Madison Square Garden, Jones was dropped for the first time in
his career when he fought WBA 175-pound champ Lou Del Valle. Jones, who rose to the
occasion, managed to shut Del Valle out in front of his very own hometown, unifying both
the World Boxing Council/World Boxing Association light heavyweight championship.
On November 14, a more humble and likable Jones will meet Canadian middleweight Otis
Grant. Like Del Valle, Grant, 30, Montreal, Canada, is a southpaw (left-handed) fighter.
Grant (31-1-1, 17KOs), a College Graduate in Special Education, has a
technically-aggressive style. Styles make fights, but it is difficult to determine what
exactly fans are to expect. However, it is
not too difficult to project the path Jones' career may be headed....
Providing of course Jones does not move-up anywhere from 185-198, Jones may hang around
170 to 175 pounds. Why? Because fighters like Hopkins, De La Hoya, and Felix Trinidad will
advance in weight. In the professional ranks, there is
no law in sanctioning "catch-weight" bouts. Since Jones would make more money
fighting guys in the lower weight classes than above his own weight, Jones would be more
willing to take that risk. The only downside is that promoters are going to wait until
they think Jones skills are diminishing. They are going to wait until any quality fighter
has a chance to beat Jones. If Jones is to fight past his prime, an ordinary fighter is
going to beat him.
Jones, I believe, is one of those fighters who will finally find the best fights later in
his career. If he does have any early, it's not that many. Maybe about one tough fight
every year and 6 months. In fact, that tradition is already in place in Jones' career.
Jones may have spoke of retirement from time-to-time a couple of years ago, but I do not
see him leaving the sport anytime soon!!!