RSSWhat’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.
Light Heavyweight • Middleweight • Bernard Hopkins • Jeff Lacy • Joe Calzaghe • Prince Badi Ajamu • Roy Jones Jr
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