RSSPrince Badi Ajamu
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
What’s Next for Jones Jr?
Now that Roy Jones Jr. has returned to his winning ways, one must be contemplating what his future plans are, right? If we sit back and examine Roy’s post fight quotes, he has given us a few different answers as to what he wants to do with the rest of his career…
The Real Roy Jones Jr. is on his way Back
“The champ is on the way back, baby,” a beaming Jones said after the fight. “Don’t pay attention to what people say.”
“I wanted to see if my reflexes were still there,” Jones added. “I wanted to see if I could put my hands down and not get caught, do all the things people say I shouldn’t do. Do the things I used to do.
“After tonight, I realize I can do anything I want to. He came out early and tried to catch me… just like Tarver did,” Jones said. “And I took his best stuff.”
Reading that, you would think that Jones can’t wait to get back into the ring. I personally think he was just a tad bit emotional after the fight and just blurted out what he was feeling at the time.
But John, he sounds so confident! Yes, I know - however let’s see what Roy had to say at the post-fight press conference…
Jones’ inconclusive return win yields inconclusive future
Of course the retirement questions were going to be asked, how did Roy respond?
“I don’t have a clue ... I’m not leaning any way”. said Jones.
“I wanted to go out my way. If I wanted to, I could go out right now. It took a lot (nine weeks) for me to get ready for this fight ... I’m going to have to go home and think about it.”
It sounds to me like someone isn’t sure about what to do. I expect another De La Hoya-like situation in that Jones will go back home and contemplate what he should do - I don’t think he will take as long as Oscar did though.
Is a win over Ajamu and the NABO Light-Heavyweight title enough of an ending for Jones to be able to call it quits? Or will Roy want his curtain call to be a victory over a big-name fighter? I guess we will find out in a short while.
If Jones does decide to fight again, he’s picked some interesting choices for opponents - Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins.
“But Bernard said he doesn’t want to fight anymore”. Jones said
“It all depends if they make it worth my while”, Jones stated, referring to promoters, television outlets and their money. “When I get home on Monday, my phone will be ringing. Someone will say they want to fight me. I’m going to lay them all out on the table. Whichever looks best, I’ll take.”
As far as Hopkins goes, I know Bernard has already said that he is done with fighting, but he has already said on local Philadelphia news that he is already bored with retirement. I think that Jones would be one of the only fights that he would come back for - the 1993 loss to Jones is a big deal for Bernard according to what he has said in the past. It would also even further cement who was the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of the 1990’s.
Calzaghe is a very dangerous opponent for Jones, he’s no Ajamu, that’s for sure. This isn’t the Jones Jr. of 6-8 years ago - Calzaghe looks to be the faster, more powerful fighter at this stage. However, the best talent that Calzaghe has faced so far is a young Jeff Lacy. Is Calzaghe ready for the caliber of fighter that is Jones Jr?
No matter what Jones chooses to do, I’m sure many are going to be eagerly awaiting his decision.
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Sunday, July 30, 2006
Jones Jr. Starts Comeback With Win
Roy Jones Jr. started his quest back to the top off right, dominating Prince Badi Ajamu and taking home a unanimous decision victory, as well as the NABO Light-Heavyweight Championship.
ESPN: Jones frustrates Ajamu in comeback bout
FOX Sports: Jones Jr. wins unanimous decision over Ajamu
LA Times: Jones Returns With Win
MSNBC: Roy Jones Jr. earns first win in four bouts
USA Today: Jones Jr. wins NABO light heavyweight title
Saturday, June 03, 2006
A Jones Jr. Loss = Game Over
Roy Jones Jr. stated today at a pre-fight press conference that a loss to Prince Badi Ajamu would signal the end to his career.
I doubt it, but if I do lose I’m pretty much going to be calling it a day,” Jones said Friday, participating by telephone from Pensacola, Fla., in a news conference to promote his fight here next month with Prince Badi Ajamu.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Where’s Roy?
Roy Jones Jr. failed to show up at a scheduled press conference promoting his upcoming fight against Prince Badi Ajamu on July 29th. Officials have said that another conference has been scheduled for Friday and that Jones Jr. will appear via satellite this time around.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
A Legend in the Making
The upcoming Jones Jr.-Ajamu fight on July 29th is now expected to be part of a card filled with boxing legends. The card will also include Evander Holyfield facing Frank Wood and Kenny Keene matching up against WBA Cruiserweight champion Virgil Hill.
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Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Jones Jr. Not Done Yet
Roy Jones Jr. will make his return to the ring against Prince Badi Ajamu in a July 29th bout. The site for the fight has not yet been determined.