The big-name and legendary suitors continue to line up for a chance to defeat Jake Paul.
Boxing Hall-of-Famer and all-time great Roy Jones Jr. says he’s not only willing to fight Paul, but at 55 years old the legend says “I’d beat him. I’m sure.”
“I haven’t had any conversations about fighting Jake Paul,” Jones clarified to Boxing Scene. “I am not really a full-fledged heavyweight, but I weigh probably what he weighs right now. It wouldn’t be hard to match his weight, I guess. They do catch weights, so I’m sure we could figure out the right weight. We can make it happen. The only thing different though is he will probably have to take me out because I’m coming to knock him out. I’m going to get him, or he’s going to get me.”
Jones worked commentary for Paul’s recent unanimous decision victory over Mike Tyson in November. The huge event set attendance records for a boxing event in Texas and broke viewership records with its stream on Netflix.
The popularity of the event has drawn interest from several retired and active fighters. Andre Ward said that if Paul called his name, he’d have to consider it. Current light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev called Paul out, as did IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
Former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. also wants a piece, and as I’ve written multiple times, I believe that’s the most likely next opponent for Paul.
Jones has never been a man to lack self-belief. It’s part of what made him one of the greatest boxers in history. There is no question that if we were talking about a fight between him and Paul while Jones was in his 20s, 30s, or perhaps even his early 40s, the former would be wildly overmatched.
Still, do we believe that at 55, Jones could still whip Paul?
“It would be very difficult to pick him apart because he is so powerful and big,” Jones admitted. “He has power and is a dangerous puncher. I would beat him, I’m sure, but you would have to be on your A-game all night, especially at my age.”
It would be difficult to imagine him defeating a man who is 27 years younger. Would we all watch? You bet we would.
Other Boxing News – Conor Benn Says He’s Getting Title Shot Against Mario Barrios in His Next Fight
Second-generation star Conor Benn has been reinstated and is cleared to fight in the UK following a two-year suspension for banned substances.
Benn has his eyes on a fight with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, who fought on the Tyson-Paul undercard.
“The WBC family has supported me over the past two years, and I’m forever grateful,” Benn said in an interview on IFLTV. Being here, we’re working to make that Barrios fight happen. The fight’s getting made, so yeah, I’m excited. Look, based on what Eddie Hearn has been saying recently, that green and gold belt is a very, very big thing for me. It’s about legacy for me. To get to this position, where I am now, is the result of a career’s worth of hard work. A lot of people doubted me from the beginning. They doubted that I’d even be in the top ten in the world—top 15, top 20, or even world-ranked. So for me to now be in line for the WBC world title, it’s a blessing. It’s a testament to my hard work, my discipline, and my resilience in going against the grain and proving people wrong.”
Benn has some company in his pursuit of Barrios. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is also said to be interested in coming back to challenge Barrios. Both fights would be big for Barrios’ career, but he’d probably prefer to begin with Pacquiao.
The Filipino legend is 45 years old and likely an easier out. Barrios could still circle back to fight Benn. We’ll see how it plays out, but with Benn back, Pacquiao looming and Teofimo Lopez potentially moving up to 147, the welterweight division might be getting a little more interesting.
