Roy Jones Jr. is renowned for his exceptional athleticism, unorthodox style, and lightning-fast reflexes, often executing unconventional moves that left opponents bewildered.
His controversial loss in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he was awarded the silver medal despite dominating the bout, led to significant changes in Olympic boxing scoring systems.
Beyond boxing, Jones has pursued careers in music and acting, releasing rap albums and appearing in various films and television shows.
In recent years, he has participated in exhibition matches, including a notable bout against Mike Tyson in November 2020, which ended in a split draw.
Titles and Achievements:
World Titles:
IBF Middleweight Champion (1993-1994)
IBF Super Middleweight Champion (1994-1996)
WBC Light Heavyweight Champion (1997-2004)
WBA Light Heavyweight Champion (1998-2004)
IBF Light Heavyweight Champion (1999-2004)
The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion (2002-2004)
WBA Heavyweight Champion (2003)
Notable Achievements:
First former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in 106 years.
Named Fighter of the Decade for the 1990s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Notable Fights:
Vs. Bernard Hopkins (May 22, 1993): Won by unanimous decision to claim the vacant IBF Middleweight title, marking his first world championship victory.
Vs. James Toney (November 18, 1994): Won by unanimous decision to capture the IBF Super Middleweight title, showcasing his exceptional speed and skill.
Vs. Montell Griffin II (August 7, 1997): Won by knockout in the first round, regaining the WBC Light Heavyweight title and avenging his first professional loss.
Vs. Glen Kelly (February 2, 2002): Won by knockout in the second round, retaining The Ring, WBA, WBC and IBF Light Heavyweight titles.
Vs. John Ruiz (March 1, 2003): Won by unanimous decision to secure the WBA Heavyweight title, making history as the first former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in over a century.
Vs. Antonio Tarver II (May 15, 2004): Lost by knockout in the second round, marking the first time he was stopped in his career. Dropped The Ring, WBA, WBC titles.