It wasn’t difficult for boxing fans to pick Roy Jones to win his January 19th showdown with Felix Trinidad at Madison Square Garden. Trinidad, coming back to the ring after a long two year layoff was the heavy underdog. Stylistically, it would be a complete mismatch; Jones’ speed, technical ability and much more natural 170lb frame give Trinidad fits over a 12 round show. Jones would go on to drop Trinidad twice in the bout before impressing the 12,000 in attendance, just like the old Roy would.
I just turned 39, fought like I am 29 and feel like I am 19,” stated an elated Roy Jones Jr after his unanimous decision victory over Felix Trinidad. “It just goes to show you that when you got God in your life, anything’s possible. I went from heavyweight all the way back down to 169lbs and I still look good.” It was a hell of a performance by the 39-year-old ring legend, Jones. “Roy Jones was very fast,” admitted a defeated but unbroken Trinidad. But I gave it my best and I came out for all my Puerto Rican fans.
The victory added another W in Jones’ win column, advancing him to (52-4 38KOs). So what he’s 39, George Foreman was 45 years old when he won the heavyweight title. Bernard Hopkins is 43 and ranked as the #1 Light heavyweight in the world. At an age where most would suspect a fighter on the downside of his career, the late years are what have given some fighters that extra experience to push forward.
After Trinidad, where does Roy go from here?
It’s not hard to imagine that if Roy Jones can stay active and keep himself in shape he could potentially be trouble for anybody between 168 – 175lbs. Although defeating Felix Trinidad didn’t really do much for his current world ranking, it definitely put him into position where people are taking notice that he might can make some noise. Perhaps another impressive victory over a much more active and top notch fighter would solidify his return to the spotlight.
Jones’ options:
#1 Calzaghe – Hopkins: Winner: It’s probably the first choice on everybody’s mind. This may be best option for Jones in the coming months. Bernard Hopkins is the #1 guy at 175lbs, Joe Calzaghe is the #1 guy at 168lbs. If Jones can get the winner on contract for the late summer or early fall, it would play terrific into his return.
#2 Pavlik – Taylor II: Winner: The not so high choice people recommend for Roy. But if a fight with Bernard or Joe doesn’t come into fruition, this might be a second option. Kelly Pavlik is a favorite going into his February rematch with Jermain Taylor.
#3 Dawson – Johnson: Winner: As the wish list begins to sink, the risk gets higher for Roy Jones. Chad Dawson is younger, bigger, stronger and might possibly give Jones fits as did his southpaw nemesis Antonio Tarver. A rematch with Glen Johnson is still on everybody’s mind.
#4 Antonio Tarver, Clinton Woods or Mikkel Kessler: A 4th fight with Tarver might can be made. Jones has shown enough in his last fight with Trinidad that make many wonder if he could actually edge out Tarver in a 4th fight. Kessler hasn’t been heard of since his loss to Calzaghe, but if he and Jones were to sign the contract it could be a pretty interesting affair.
With lucrative options on the table, where should Jones go?
