Interview with Roy Jones Jr: He's back and stirring the pot

Interview with Roy Jones Jr: He's back and stirring the pot - Boxing

Exclusive Interview by Mike Cassell, Philadelphia Boxing Report (Jan 27, 2008) Photo © Bob Kolb

Roy Jones Jr. showed the world a bit of the past by totally dismantling an aging Felix Trinidad in Madison Square Garden. Seemingly lifted from pugilistic purgatory, Jones wants to fight the best, but this time he wants to do it with a new appreciation for his skills and the sport of boxing. The real question is, will anyone take the chance with the former self described Superman?

MC: Is it a fair assessment that this time around you have a new appreciation for your god given skills and boxing itself?

RJJ: Yes, absolutely. I definitely look around at everything and appreciate everything more.

MC: Did Trinidad hurt you at anytime during your match with him?

RJJ: No, not at all. I didn’t even break a sweat.

MC
What was your feeling like after the fight? Was it relief, adulation?

RJJ
Well everybody was excited. Even the Puerto Rican fans were yelling. I feel like I earned some respect with them and won them over.

MC
Hopkins, Calzaghe or Taylor Pavlik. What are your chances of fighting the winners in either of those fights, and do you want to?

RJJ
The chances are real good of possibly getting the winner of either of those fights. I will fight anybody anywhere anytime. Question is, will they fight me? Let’s go. Let’s get it on. Let’s make it happen. That’s how I feel.

MC
Do you think they are dodging you? Maybe your style can give them issues?

RJJ
Not my style, my presence gives them problems. My mere presence in the limelight gives them problems. I have a god fearing presence. My presence alone is enough to make them look away.

MC
Do you think for example, Joe Calzaghe thinks that a fight with you and your style might be too big a risk?

RJJ
No, I mean he is at the end of his career and is taking more risks. I think he would take the fight, after he finishes with Bernard.

MC
What do you think of Kelly Pavlik?

RJJ
I think he is a big puncher, I’m not real sure he has the experience besides fighting Jermain Taylor. I would fight him anytime anywhere.

MC
Bernard Hopkins. You know that name pretty well. He told me that although you are a hall of fame fighter, and deserve recognition for your past deeds. You really are NOT relevant right now. How do you feel about that statement?

RJJ
His opinion is a wonderful thing. He can’t get over the fact that I can beat him, I have beat him, and if we get in the ring, Ill whoop him again. He looks at it like this. Until someone beats me, that Roy Jones fight will always be out there. So as long as he doesn’t lose again, he doesn’t have to face me. He doesn’t want to take that loss. He still can’t get over the last one.

MC
What is the most desirable scenario for Roy Jones Jr. right now? Who do you want?

RJJ
Look Mike, whoever shows up, we will fight. It’s that simple. We aren’t prejudice. We don’t have any friends. We just box and have a good time. Whoever shows up, we will take. Do you feel me?

MC
It seems as if you did something that Oscar De La Hoya wasn’t able to do, and that is getting Felix Trinidad back in the ring. Do you think Oscar would think about facing you?

RJJ
Right now that my name is back on top. I would be willing to drop in weight and break all the PPV numbers and fight him. Just like I went up to heavyweight, doing something that hasn’t been done in 106 years for the good of the game. Why wouldn’t Oscar be willing to get in the ring with me? He could get inside 160. I’m not asking him to gain 30lbs like I did.

MC
So Oscar does not want to consider a match with you? Have you asked Golden Boy Promotions for that fight?

RJJ
Yes we did, and they said no he does not want to get into the ring with me. I took gambles for the history of game. Why won’t these guys take gambles like I did? These guys call themselves pound for pound this and that, but they aren’t willing to risk nothing. I knew after coming down from heavyweight that I wasn’t right, and I would probably have to take a loss or two, but I went up for the good of the game and for the challenge. Why is he so scared? Why am I the only one who takes these chances for the good of the game? Even if you get your ass whooped, your not losing. Just do it for the cause. (Laughing)…
But they said no regarding De La Hoya, but maybe Hopkins down the road.

MC
So we come back to Hopkins, Calzaghe scenario again?

RJJ
Bernard is a good guy, I have nothing against him personally, but he is fighting Calzaghe on HBO, not even on PPV. I mean, he acts like I tried taking food out of his mouth by talking to Calzaghe. They are saying by me trying to get a fight with Calzaghe, I am hurting their negotiations. They filed a cease and desist because they say they already had a deal with Calzaghe. Like I said, I have nothing against the guy, but he thinks he somehow has the upper hand on me, and it just isn’t so. If you are going to come at me, come right.

MC
Thanks for taking the time, and good luck.