It’s been a long cliché, but not necessarily untrue. And the adage states, it’s one for the money, two for the glory. Often is the case in the sport of this fight game. Dignity might come with the price you pay, and Roy Jones has certainly earned that merit, even if it’s a tad bit late.
For the four-division champ, who’s clearly seen his better days, dignity was an element that served zero purpose. Arguably the most dominant and incomparable talent of his era, Jones stood alone and walked his line. Ability to make his job easy deemed to fuel many including fans and experts, persistently questioning his fortitude to take on the best competition available.
As smart as he was in the ring, Roy was every bit of an opportunist as they come. Full aware of his house-hold name, the Pensacola perhaps negated the challenge people wanted to see, and instead, got what he needed and wanted. In the end, often and frequent as it was, he got paid.
Talk about an advantageous business-man. Oscar De La Hoya groomed to be the poster boy, but not without the help of promoter Bob Arum. The Chavez’s, the Whitakers’, and the Camachos’ were long gone stale, but perhaps unbeknownst to many today, those generated millions and millions. With each victory, De La Hoya was paid and praised, but with every one-sided performance against increasing poor level of competition, Jones’ character could only be antagonized to say the least.
Realistically, was Jones-McCallum any different from De La Hoya-Camacho?
But with age and deterioration, Jones still hasn’t changed. Many still wonder about the potential mega bouts that could’ve and should’ve taken place in the late ’90s. But long gone are the guys he could’ve fought including the likes of Chris Eubank, Julian Jackson, Nigel Benn, and Steve Collins.
There’s no need to reiterate what has happened since. Win or lose, Jones vindicated himself with the likes of John Ruiz, Antonio Tarver (three times), and Glen Johnson. And on Saturday night, at Madison Square Garden in New York, he takes on arguably the best fighter he’s ever fought when he challenges the unbeaten Joe Calzaghe in hopes to reclaim his light heavyweight crown. If that’s not it, then perhaps, he hopes to leave the sport with a little bit of dignity, which was nowhere to be found when he took on Antonio Tarver for the third time.
Until his January win over a fellow faded legend, Felix Trinidad in New York, Jones in boxing was all but relevant. Somehow, someway, ‘RJ’ as he would claim, is back in the spotlight.
Love him or hate him, there isn’t a thin line. Like Naseem Hamed, we tune to him because we love him, or because we want to see him lose.
But in the end, dignity is for bollocks and the true victory comes from the color of money, and in Jones’ case, it’s been greener than ever.
Following this guy’s career sure was enigmatic, considering his rapid and sudden fall as a top fighter. But surely, we would be lying if we don’t admit to Roy’s talent and accomplishment as something special.
CATCHING UP WITH THE LATEST
Cristian Mijares’ blowout loss to Vic Darchinyan goes to tell you one thing – Pound-for-Pound lists are not only mythical, but it’s also very time-sensitive and dynamic. What I’m trying to say is that, we should just put the term ‘P4P’ to a rest.
Despite the spectacular performance from the now IBF/WBC/WBA super flyweight champ, I wouldn’t be surprised if his reign comes to end within his next two fights. But regardless, Darchinyan is one of the most explosive super-little guys I’ve seen in recent years.
Mikkel Kessler took a lot of heat for his futile title defense against Danilo Haussler, but the one-two-three combination the Danish standout executed on his mandatory foe, was simply amazing. But with that said, let’s see if Kessler can fight a guy who would actually hit back and then some. How about a fight against the Jeff Lacy-Jermain Taylor winner?
I read on another website that Dennis Inkin’s recent title winning effort against Fulgencio Zuniga and his team were to be protested by none other than, well, Zuniga and his team. Upon this news, I took the time to watch this fight, and who would’ve thunk it, I had Zuniga winning by a comfortable margin! Zuniga is a rugged veteran and in my opinion, is the more durable and stronger Columbian than Edison Miranda.
Also in Germany, Felix Sturm easily outpointed Sebastian Sylvester in a much anticipated bout between two competing promotions, which now has folks fancying the logical super fight between Sturm and Arthur Abraham. Call me crazy, but I think Sturm wins that one.
For those who haven’t seen Chris John’s recent title defense in Japan, be sure to see if you can get your hands on that fight. It was a terrific affair between a slick boxer (John) and an aggressive face first brawler (Hiroyuki Enoki). Kind of got to see what the talked about match against Rocky Juarez would look like, but Juarez is the much harder puncher than the naturally smaller Enoki. John, whether or not you think he won the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez (which I thought Marquez won, but that’s beside the point), in my opinion, is the best fighter from 122-130 pounds.
BEFORE RICHARD STEELE STEPS IN….
Is this Friday’s card in China being televised anywhere? I completely forgot that Marco Antonio Barrera is fighting this weekend….Is it me, or does Andre Dirrell somewhat remind us of a big, sloppy, but harder punching version of Pernell Whitaker? Zab Judah never came close, but Dirrell just might…Unlike those who are in some sort of denial, I favor Calzaghe to win this Saturday…Isn’t it a bit of a buzz-kill to learn that Bute-Andrade rematch might take place in Montreal, again? I guess not, if you think Andrade’s chances of stopping Bute are higher next time around…