Connect with us

Articles of 2004

Roy Jones Jr. Wants To Fight Tyson or Klitschko After That?

Published

on

How does he follow up that showing with a fight versus one of the World's top Heavyweights? I'm talking about Roy Jones Jr. I can't believe that he really thinks he can fool the Boxing public by attempting to fight either Vitali Klitschko or Mike Tyson, in order to erase the left over stench from his last fight. If I didn't hear him say it, I would think that you can't even make it up. After the way Jones was devastated by Antonio Tarver, can he even remotely believe there is public interest in him fighting anyone other than Tarver again? Hey Roy, there's only one fighter that fans want to see you face, and he's not a Heavyweight. He's the only fighter that you have yet proven you're better than in two title fights and 14 rounds.

I cannot believe that Jones Jr. is not obsessed with getting Tarver back in the ring. This type of mindset is exactly what his critics have feasted on throughout his career. They've accused him of not taking tough fights and avoiding serious challengers. The fact that Jones Jr. has shown a trepidation to fight Tarver again indicates to me that he has some doubt as to whether or not he can defeat him. And believe me, fighting a Heavyweight will do nothing to subside those thoughts. Roy Jones Jr. should literally be consumed with getting his hands on Antonio Tarver again. Of course that's taking him at his word that he really just got caught and Tarver was lucky. Wonder if he really believes that deep down within?

Can anyone imagine Ali, Holyfield, Hagler, or Robinson being 1-1 in two fights with a rival, a cross state rival at that, and not wanting a piece of them again? I certainly can't. This is even more poignant concerning Jones Jr. for two reasons. First of all, in the first fight with Tarver, Jones Jr. won a very controversial decision. Although I think Jones Jr. pulled out the first fight, there are plenty who think he didn't. Secondly, Jones Jr. was knocked out in the rematch with one punch, I'd say advantage Tarver. I still find it hard to accept that Jones Jr. can walk away without going back at Tarver. If he can, this says a lot about him and his makeup.

Many past legendary Champs were consumed with and had to have at a former Nemesis who proved to be a stumbling block for them at some point during their career. The bottom line is if Jones Jr. never fights Tarver again, he will always have to answer questions about him and why he never proved that he could get a clean win over him. When you think about other past greats, how many of them were starched by one punch and didn't fight their conqueror again? Not too many. The burden of proof is strictly on Jones Jr. to prove he and Tarver are in the same league.

Another problem for Roy is that his career resume is somewhat sketchy regarding the caliber of opposition he has faced from top to bottom. Tarver represents his biggest challenge at Light Heavyweight. Remember, he fought Hopkins at 160 and Toney at 168. Other than Tarver, Jones Jr. hasn't really fought another Light Heavyweight who was anything special. Even though I don't think Tarver is a great Light Heavy, and feel recent past greats like Foster, Spinks, Saad, and Qawi would've defeated him, Jones Jr. doesn't own a legitimate win over him in the eyes of the Boxing public. As it stands now, a critic of Jones Jr. could say he is 0-2 versus the best Light Heavyweight he ever faced. Even if you think Jones Jr. edged Tarver out in the first fight, he didn't prove he was the better fighter.

The way it stands right now, Jones Jr. has faced adversity once in his career and he came up lame. Part of what makes a fighter an all time great and a legendary champion is how he handles adversity. Boxing history is replete with greats who came back and overcame a monumental setback and defeat. Roy Jones Jr. can't say that. And make no mistake, Jones Jr.'s legacy will take a severe hit if he doesn't at least fight Tarver again. Just by fighting him again will answer the question that some believe Tarver has his heart and that Jones Jr. wants no part of him. Just by fighting Tarver again will spare Jones Jr. from being labeled a coward by some. He doesn't even have to beat him, he just has to show that he is willing to go back in the ring with him.

Prior to fighting the rematch with Tarver, Jones Jr. was mentioned in the same vein as Robinson, Hagler, Ali, Louis, Duran, and Leonard. The difference is those greats were never KO'd by one punch. Even Duran ate several rights from Hearns before going out. And that was Hearns who did it at 154. On top of that, Hearns is one of the greatest punchers in Boxing history from 147-160, and Duran is best remembered for his seven year reign at 135. Jones Jr. was KO'd by Antonio Tarver who is not a legendary puncher at Light Heavyweight in anybody’s opinion.

Sugar Ray Robinson was never KO'd in 202 fights, and he came back and beat fighters like Turpin, Basilio, Fullmer, and LaMotta convincingly after being defeated by them. Hagler was never stopped in almost 70 fights, and came back and proved he was the better fighter versus the fighters who either beat him or drew with him in their first fight. Fighters like Watts, Monroe, Seals, and Antuofermo. Muhammad Ali gave everybody a rematch whether they deserved it or not. Even Ken Norton, who he never really beat convincingly. The difference is that Ali was never stopped by Norton, and even the biggest Ali critic must admit, although Norton had Ali's number from a style standpoint, he certainly didn't have his heart. Jones at this time can't even whisper such a sentiment about Tarver.

Sugar Ray Leonard was never counted out and after he was mauled by Roberto Duran in their first fight, he was obsessed with fighting Duran again to even the score. Joe Louis was taken apart by Max Schmeling the first time they fought when he was stopped in the 12th round. In the interim after fighting Schmeling, Louis won the Heavyweight title and yet he didn't feel like he was the champ until he fought and defeated Schmeling. It is the way that these greats came back from adversity that cemented their legacy and greatness. As of this writing, Roy Jones Jr. is not part of that pristine club.

The way I see it, Jones Jr. has only one fight to take or he should retire. That is a third and deciding fight with Antonio Tarver. Forget Jones Jr. fighting Mike Tyson or Vitali Klitschko. He can't beat either of them, and I thought that way before he was stopped by Tarver. No, Jones Jr. has to prove that at the least he is on equal footing with Antonio Tarver. If he never fights him again, it will leave a big void in his legacy as far as I'm concerned.

To me, Jones Jr. has to prove that Tarver doesn't have his heart. Even if Jones Jr. fought Tarver again and lost a competitive fight, I would look at him in a more positive light. I would just figure that Tarver was to Jones Jr. what Norton was to Ali, or what Ted Lowry was to Marciano. That shouldn't tarnish all that he's accomplished throughout his career. However, if it's perceived that Tarver took his heart and Jones Jr. avoided him, well that's a totally different thing.

Roy Jones Jr. must fight Antonio Tarver again. It's the only fight out there for Jones Jr. that the public truly cares about.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles6 days ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles1 week ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles3 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles4 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles1 day ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 hours ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles9 hours ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles1 day ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles3 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles4 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles6 days ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles1 week ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending