ROY DOWN & OUT IN OPENER
New York, NY– Boxing legends Roy Jones Jr. (50-6, 40 KOs) and Bernard Hopkins (49-5-1, 32 KOs) were set to face each other in March of next year in a long overdue rematch. But it likely won’t happen now because Jones was knocked out last night! Australia’s cruiserweight (200 lb) champ Danny Green’s early stoppage of Jones has not only prevented Jones from achieving history (winning all titles from middleweight to heavyweight), but has also put an end to the viability of a match with Bernard Hopkins. With Jones being unable to make it through the first round, it is now clear that Roy needs to retire. After another (third) KO loss, who truly wants to see him fight again?
JONES NEED NOT DRINK HIS OWN KOOL AID
Although it was Jones’ first fight on foreign soil, Roy offered no excuses. In previous reports Jones stated that he was comfortable in Australia and the decision to fight there was not a problem. But its likely Jones was never mentally into the fight from the beginning. After making statements about how he wasn’t crazy about fighting in the cruiserweight division and seemed only mildly excited about the prospects of making history with this bout. Jones’ indifference regarding making history was clear when he stated, “why not” in regards to the prospects of gaining belts in every division north of jr. middleweight (154 lb). This is Jones’ third knockout loss in his career, but for a fighter who was dominant in the 90’s, he’s only hurting his legacy if he continues to box.
DOES HOPKINS FIGHT GREEN NOW?
Hopkins, who will face Enrique Ornelas (29-5 19 KOs) tonight in Philly will certainly have to find a new dancing partner if he intends on keeping the March date on HBO. Although it wouldn’t be a bigger fight for Hopkins to face Green since he’s beaten Jones, it still might be interesting enough to televise. Should Hopkins beat Ornelas without problems, perhaps he might think about what other fights remain out there, including a cruiser title fight with Green who has now proven he deserves a shot.
Jarrad Woods