Many would consider Roy Jones Jr. to be one of the greatest fighters of all time as he is a former four-weight world champion.
Jones Jr. has stopped the likes of Virgil Hill and Montell Griffin in his career as he often showcased his elite skillset.
Winning his first world title in 1993 against Bernard Hopkins, Jones Jr. became a champion for the first time at 24 years of age.
Following the win over the fellow great, Jones Jr. had a stunning knockout to extend his winning streak.
Roy Jones Jr. knocked out Thulani Malinga in 1993
Despite winning the IBF belt against Hopkins, who would become boxing’s oldest world champion, Jones Jr.’s next outing would not be a title defense.
In August 1993, which was three months after his win over ‘The Alien’, Jones Jr. faced Thulani Malinga in Mississippi. The South African would go on to face the likes of Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, as he went into the bout with Jones Jr. with a professional record of 35-8.
Although Jones Jr. did not compete as a defending champion, he still had an impressive performance.
Headlining an event that included a young Oscar De La Hoya, Jones Jr. would end a dominant showing in the sixth round.
With just over a minute left in the round, a swooping left hook would land on the durable South African. Malinga would crash down from the shot, with his attempts to return to his feet unsuccessful.
The referee waved off the bout, as the American extended his unbeaten record to 23-0.
Roy Jones Jr. defended his world title for the first time in 1994
Following his win over Hopkins, Jones Jr. would compete in three non-title fights before defending his belt.
The win over Malinga was the first of three successful victories. Jones Jr. would go on to beat Fermin Chirino and Danny Garcia in November 1993 and March 1994 respectively.
Now with a record of 25-0, Jones Jr. would defend his title for the first time in May 1994. Facing Thomas Tate (29-2), Jones Jr. made quick work of the title challenger.
Just 30 seconds into the second round, Jones Jr. defended his IBF title via knockout.