American · Pensacola, Florida · Born 16 January 1969Roy Jones Jr. became the first fighter in over 100 years to win a heavyweight title after starting his career at middleweight.
Roy Jones Jr was born in Pensacola, Florida in 1969. He won a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in a bout widely considered a robbery — his opponent Park Si-hun received the decision despite Jones landing significantly more punches, in a result later acknowledged as fixed by multiple officials. The scandal directly contributed to rule changes in amateur boxing. He turned professional in 1989. His combination of reflexes, hand speed and footwork made him the consensus best pound-for-pound boxer in the world for the better part of a decade in the 1990s and early 2000s. He won world titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and super light heavyweight. He moved up two weight classes to heavyweight and defeated John Ruiz in 2003 to win the WBA heavyweight title — the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title in 106 years. He is considered by many boxing historians as the most naturally gifted offensive fighter of the modern era. He maintained an active boxing career into his late 40s. His 1988 Olympic injustice remains one of sport's most discussed judicial failures.
Four-division world champion, first fighter in 100+ years to go from middleweight to heavyweight champion
How They Played
Counter-puncher with exceptional athleticism, unorthodox style, lightning-fast reflexes
Lasting Impact
Considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers ever, dominated multiple weight classes
Career Honours
- International Boxing Hall of Fame 2022
- Ring Fighter of the Year 1994
American Athletes