Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. broke his silence after reports surfaced of a fight with the polarizing Jake Paul.
Jake Paul is back in the gym as he prepares for his return to boxing later this year. He has kept a relatively low profile since beating heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson in his most recent fight in October.
A few potential boxing opponents have been suggested for Paul's next fight, including a possible rematch with Tommy Fury. Paul suffered his first career defeat to Fury in 2023 after going on a six-fight unbeaten streak to start his career.
The internet nearly broke when reports of a fight between Paul and Jones surfaced online this week. Jones, 55, has not competed since losing to former UFC champion Anthony Pettis in April 2023.
Amid all the rumors and speculation about a fight between Paul and Jones, Jones took to social media to address all the online noise.
Photos by The Ring Magazine via Getty Images, Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024
Roy Jones Jr. clears the air on the Jake Paul fight rumors
In a recent Instagram post, Jones addressed his followers about the Paul fight rumors.
“This message has cost me many restless nights as people wondered,” Jones wrote. “I love what Jake has done for our sport. I also love the time and effort he puts into developing his craft. Since I was Mike's last opponent before the big exhibition they put on, I feel like I would probably be the most notable opponent at this point.
“HOWEVER……….I have not been contacted regarding these allegations so it is NOT A REALITY at this time. Just to be clear, just like in my prime, I am always JUST ONE CALL “OUT” away.”
Jones has repeatedly teased a possible confrontation with Paul in recent years. But nothing has materialized, despite Jones fitting the profile of Paul's recent opponents.
Jones is arguably one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time with wins over James Toney, Antonio Tarver and Felix Trinidad. During his prime, he was considered one of the most skilled boxers in the history of the sport.
Jake Paul is back in the gym ahead of his expected return to boxing
Before the loss to Pettis, Jones took on Tyson in an exhibition boxing match in 2020, with the unscored bout going the distance. Coincidentally, Paul was on the undercard of Tyson vs. Jones and defeated former NBA star Nate Robinson by knockout.
Although the 58-year-old Jones is well past his physical prime, he has shown that he can fight well at an advanced stage. He won four straight fights, including the WBF cruiserweight title, before the closely contested defeat to Pettis.
Jones' comments show that the reports surrounding a clash with Paul are invalid. But that doesn't mean the fight won't take place at a later date, and in the meantime, speculation about Paul's return is rife.
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