Roy Jones Jr. facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

"Roy Jones" redirects here. For the English footballer, see Roy Jones (footballer). For the aviator, see Roy F. Jones.

Quick facts for kids

Roy Jones Jr.

Jones in 2012

Statistics

Real name

Roy Levesta Jones Jr.

Nickname(s)

Superman
Junior
RJ
Captain Hook

Rated at

Middleweight
Super middleweight
Light heavyweight
Cruiserweight
Heavyweight

Height

5 ft 11 in

Reach

74 in

Nationality

American
Russian

Born

January 16, 1969 (age 56)
Pensacola, Florida, U.S.

Stance

Orthodox

Boxing record

Total fights

Wins

Wins by KO

Losses

Medal record

Men's amateur boxing

Representing United States
Olympic Games
Silver	1988 Seoul	Light middleweight
Golden Gloves
Gold	1986 Iowa	Light Welterweight
Gold	1987 Tennessee	Light Middleweight
Bronze	1988 Nebraska	Light Middleweight
National Junior Olympics
Gold	1984 Florida	Bantamweight
Goodwill Games
Silver	1986 Moscow	Light welterweight

Roy Levesta Jones Jr. (born January 16, 1969) is a famous American professional boxer. Many people consider him one of the greatest boxers of all time. He won world championships in four different weight classes: middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight.

As a young boxer, he represented the United States at the 1988 Summer Olympics, where he won a silver medal. In 2003, he made history by winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title. He was the first former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in 106 years! From 1999 to 2002, he was the undisputed champion in the light heavyweight division, meaning he held all the major titles at that weight.

Roy Jones Jr. holds the record for the most wins in unified light heavyweight title fights, with twelve. He was named "Fighter of the Year" by The Ring magazine in 1994 and by the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. He also won the "Best Boxer ESPY Award" three times.

Early Life and Family Background

Roy Jones Jr. grew up in a family with a strong boxing background. His father, Roy Jones Sr., was a Vietnam War veteran who received a special medal for bravery. Roy Sr. was also a middleweight boxer. He ran his own boxing gym, helping many young people stay out of trouble through the sport.

Amateur Boxing Career Highlights

Roy Jones Jr. had a very successful amateur career. He won the 1984 United States National Junior Olympics in the 119-pound weight class. He also won the 1986 and 1987 United States National Golden Gloves in different weight divisions. By the end of his amateur career, his record was 121 wins and only 13 losses.

Olympic Games Performance

Jones represented the United States at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games in the 156-pound weight class. He was the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team and won the silver medal.

He won his first four matches easily, often by knockout or unanimous decision.
In the final match, he faced Park Si-Hun from South Korea. Even though Jones seemed to dominate the fight, landing many more punches, he lost by a close decision. This decision was very controversial, and the judges involved were later suspended.
Despite the loss, Jones was given the Val Barker trophy as the best boxer in the 1988 Games. This award usually goes to a gold medalist, making his achievement even more special. The controversy led to changes in how Olympic boxing matches are scored.

Starting a Professional Boxing Career

Roy Jones Jr. began his professional boxing journey on May 6, 1989. He quickly showed his power, winning his first 16 fights by knockout! He then faced former world champion Jorge Vaca and knocked him out in the first round. After another knockout, Jones went the full distance for the first time against future world champion Jorge Castro, winning by decision.

Becoming a Middleweight Champion

On May 22, 1993, Jones fought for his first world title. He defeated future undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins by a unanimous decision to win the IBF middleweight championship. Jones claimed he fought with a broken right hand, but still managed to win clearly.

He continued his winning streak, beating Thulane "Sugar Boy" Malinga by knockout and Fermin Chirino by decision. In 1994, he knocked out Danny "Popeye" Garcia and defended his IBF title against Thomas Tate.

Moving Up to Super Middleweight

On November 18, 1994, Jones faced James Toney, an undefeated champion who was considered one of the best boxers at the time. Many thought Jones was the underdog in this fight.

Jones showed his amazing skills, using his speed and quick moves to control the fight. He even knocked Toney down in the third round. Jones won by a clear decision, and The Ring magazine called his performance one of the most dominant in 20 years.

Defending the Super Middleweight Title

In 1995, Jones successfully defended his super middleweight title several times. He knocked out Antoine Byrd in the first round. He then defeated former champion Vinny Pazienza by knockout, knocking him down three times. In that fight, Jones made history by being the first boxer in CompuBox records to go an entire round without being hit by his opponent! He also beat Tony Thornton by knockout.

In 1996, Jones continued his winning streak, defeating Merqui Sosa and future world champion Eric Lucas. He even played a basketball game and defended his boxing title on the same day! He then defeated Bryant Brannon by TKO.

Becoming a Light Heavyweight Champion

In November 1996, Jones moved up in weight and defeated 40-year-old former world champion Mike McCallum to win the WBC light heavyweight title.

First Professional Loss and Rematch

In 1997, Jones had his first professional loss against Montell Griffin. Jones was ahead in the fight, but he hit Griffin twice while Griffin was on one knee, which is against the rules. Jones was disqualified and lost his title.

Five months later, Jones had a rematch with Griffin. He quickly regained his title by knocking Griffin out in the first round with a powerful left hand.

Heavyweight Ambitions and Return to Light Heavyweight

Jones considered moving up to heavyweight to fight Buster Douglas, but his father convinced him to stay at light heavyweight. Instead, he fought former light heavyweight champion Virgil Hill and became the first person to knock Hill out.

He then challenged WBA light heavyweight champion Lou Del Valle. Jones won by decision, even after being knocked down for the first time in his career. This made him a three-time champion.

Unified and Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion

Jones with Fred Levin, 2002

Jones continued to dominate the light heavyweight division. He defended his titles against Otis Grant and Rick Frazier.

On June 5, 1999, Jones defeated IBF champion Reggie Johnson to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. This meant he held the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles at the same time, a rare achievement.

He continued to defend his undisputed title, beating David Telesco, Richard Hall, and Eric Harding. In 2001, he released a rap CD called Round One: The Album. He also defended his title against Derrick Harmon and Julio César González.

In 2002, Jones knocked out Australian boxer Glen Kelly in seven rounds. In this fight, he famously put both hands behind his back before landing a knockout punch. He then defeated Clinton Woods by technical knockout.

Becoming a Heavyweight Champion

On March 1, 2003, Roy Jones Jr. moved up to the heavyweight division to fight John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title. Jones weighed 193 pounds, while Ruiz weighed 226 pounds. Jones won the fight by a clear decision, making him the first former middleweight champion in 106 years to win a heavyweight title. This was a huge moment in boxing history.

Returning to Light Heavyweight and Later Career

After winning the heavyweight title, Jones decided to return to the light heavyweight division. On November 8, 2003, he defeated Antonio Tarver to win back his WBC title and the WBA (Unified) title.

Challenging Times

Jones faced Tarver again on May 15, 2004. This time, Tarver knocked him out in the second round, which was a big surprise. Later that year, Jones lost again by knockout to Glen Johnson.

After these losses, Jones fought Tarver a third time in October 2005. Tarver won by a unanimous decision.

Comeback Fights

Jones in 2006

Jones started his comeback in 2006, defeating Prince Badi Ajamu by unanimous decision to win the WBO NABO light heavyweight title. He then beat Anthony Hanshaw in 2007.

Big Fights and Challenges

Jones promoting his fight against Trinidad, 2007

On January 19, 2008, Jones faced former world champion Félix Trinidad at Madison Square Garden. Jones won by a clear decision, knocking Trinidad down twice. This was a big win for Jones.

Later that year, on November 8, 2008, Jones fought Joe Calzaghe for The Ring Light Heavyweight Championship. Jones knocked Calzaghe down in the first round, but Calzaghe recovered and won the fight by unanimous decision.

Jones continued to fight, winning against Omar Sheika and Jeff Lacy in 2009.

More Challenges and Retirement

In December 2009, Jones lost to Australian boxer Danny Green by TKO in the first round. He then had a rematch with Bernard Hopkins in 2010, 17 years after their first fight. Hopkins won by unanimous decision.

In 2011, Jones fought Denis Lebedev in Russia and was knocked out in the final seconds of the fight.

Cruiserweight Division

Jones then moved to the cruiserweight division. He won several fights, including against Max Alexander in 2011, Paweł Głażewski in 2012, and Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf in 2013, winning various titles.

Jones with Vladimir Putin, 2015

In 2015, Jones met with Vladimir Putin in Crimea and was later granted Russian citizenship. He then fought Enzo Maccarinelli in Russia, losing by knockout.

Jones continued to fight, winning against Vyron Phillips in 2016 and Bobby Gunn in 2017, winning the vacant World Boxing Foundation cruiserweight title.

Final Professional Fight

On February 8, 2018, Roy Jones Jr. announced his final professional fight in Pensacola, Florida. He defeated Scott Sigmon by a unanimous decision, winning the vacant World Boxing Union cruiserweight title. Jones retired after 75 professional fights over 29 years, with 66 wins (47 by knockout) and 9 losses.

Exhibition Bouts

In July 2020, it was announced that Jones would have an exhibition fight against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The fight took place on November 28, 2020, and lasted all 8 rounds, ending in a draw.

In April 2023, Jones had another exhibition bout against former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, which Pettis won by decision.

Personal Life and Interests

Roy Jones Jr. was born in Pensacola, Florida. His father, Roy Sr., was a dedicated boxing coach who helped many young people in his community.

Jones has also pursued a career in music. In 2001, he released his first rap album, Round One: The Album, which included the popular song "Y'All Must've Forgot". In 2004, he formed a group called Body Head Bangerz and released another album. He has also made songs about Florida State University Athletics, as he is a big fan.

Roy Jones Jr. is married and has three children. Sadly, his son Deandre passed away in June 2024. His cousin, RJ Harvey, is a professional football player for the Denver Broncos.