Roy Jones Jr - A Name You'll Never Forget

Roy Jones Jr. - A Name You'll Never Forget

By Johnny Benz (July 5, 2006)

Names come and go often very quick in the world of Boxing. "Here today, gone tomorrow," is a line that rings loud and true for boxing. Often times fans forget names that once resonated loudly. Some names however will never be forgotten. One such name is Roy Jones Jr.

His career as of late may be stuck worse than a fly stuck in a spider's web, but in no way is Roy Jones Jr. out for the count. He is still a big name, and he is still a big draw. And ask any fighter out there if they want to fight Jones... and you won't find anyone who'd rule it out or drop whatever fight they where planning to face Jones Jr. instead.

Jones Jr. defeated such greats as Bernard Hopkins and James Toney at a time where it meant something to beat those names. Along the way he earned the kind of money once unheard of. The kind of money legends such as Louis, Ali, and Sugar Ray could only dream of. After making millions and beating top fighter after top fighter in his division, Jones Jr did not take it easy.

He gained 25 pounds of muscle and moved to Heavyweight division and defeated John Ruiz in a picture perfect bout of

Sweet Science for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. When he had to lose 25 pounds of muscle, not fat, but muscle to face Antonio Tarver next, no one could expect that it would effect Jones so greatly. Still if you think about it and use logic, gaining 25 pounds of muscles and then losing 25 pounds of muscles in such rapid succession...that would be hard on anyone's body. Including great athletes.

Antonio Tarver may have eventually won the second and third fights with Jones Jr, but Tarver remains a "one hit wonder." Something that will never be written about Jones Jr. Everyone knows the Jones Jr that came back down from Heavyweight, was not the same fighter.

This month on July 29th, Roy Jones Jr. (49-4) takes on Prince Badi Ajamu (25-2-1) in Boise Idaho. A far cry from the bright lights in Las Vegas or the faced pace City of New York where many of his fights have been, but that won't stop the media from hanging on to every word Jones Jr says.

Last month when Jones Jr. claimed he was not happy having his Father in this corner when he last fought Tarver, every major newspaper picked it up. Win or lose, Jones Jr remains news worthy. Not many names in boxing today can claim the same.

When it is all said and done, long after Jones Jr. retires, his name will remain. He will not be forgotten, his accomplishments will be noted and his fans will remember his legacy fondly. Win or lose, Jones Jr's name in Boxing History and Sports in General has already paid it's dues.