As Canelo Alvarez prepared for his recent headline fight in Las Vegas, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr was quietly reflecting on his storied career nearby. Having dominated the sport in his prime, Jones knows what it’s like to be the center of attention in Sin City, and his unique perspective provides an interesting contrast to Canelo’s current reign as the super-middleweight champion.
When asked how a hypothetical matchup between himself and Canelo would play out, Jones didn’t shy away from making bold statements. “When people refer to me, they often say I was a ‘mythical’ fighter in my prime,” the 55-year-old stated in an interview with DailyMail.com. “A mythical fighter is something beyond description. Nobody ever calls Canelo a mythical fighter; he’s someone you can define.” He added, “When you see someone indescribable, how do you defeat him?”
Jones, a four-division champion, holds a deep respect for Alvarez but remains steadfast in his belief in his own abilities. “Canelo is a great fighter,” he acknowledged, “but I was different.”
Despite criticism over his longevity in the sport, Jones never shied away from competition throughout his 76-fight career, spanning over three decades. He faced numerous challenges, some leading to painful losses as age began to take its toll. In contrast, Canelo has recently been criticized for avoiding a high-profile matchup with David Benavidez Jr., who boasts an impressive knockout record. “If you think you have nothing to prove, why not fight this hungry lion?” Jones remarked regarding Canelo’s reluctance to face Benavidez.
Reflecting on his own career, Jones expressed his biggest regret: “I probably should have won that first fight with Tarver and then stopped. I’d be universally recognized as the greatest ever.” He candidly acknowledged that, despite the accolades, his unwillingness to back down from challenges may have contributed to his struggles later in his career. “I don’t run from anything,” he said. “When you get older, your body starts failing, but your heart tells you not to back down. Most people would avoid facing defeat, but I embraced both the highs and lows.”
Roy Jones Jr achieved incredible milestones, including becoming the heavyweight champion after starting his professional career at 154 pounds—a feat few could ever replicate. “Nobody has done what I did,” he asserted, defending his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats. “I may have lost some battles, but my highlights are unmatched. I’ve done things that no one else could.”
Jones has no intentions of stepping back into the ring, despite the surge of influencer boxing, a trend marked by personalities like Jake Paul. “While it can water down the sport, I admire Jake for what he’s doing. He shows that anyone with boxing skills and a social media presence can succeed financially. He’s paving the way for others,” Jones commented.
As he approaches his 56th birthday, Jones has other priorities than re-entering the ring. “I’m just going to relax, enjoy life, and be happy,” he concluded.
Roy Jones Jr’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities of a legendary career, marked by both triumph and adversity. With the release of the new boxing video game “Undisputed,” featuring a diverse roster of boxing talents, including Canelo and Tyson Fury, Jones continues to remain connected to the sport he loves. The game launches on October 11, with a Digital Deluxe Edition available for early access.
