Roy Jones Jr knows a thing or two about moving up in weight, but believes there is something more important that will decide Canelo vs Crawford.
The boxing world is waiting with bated breath for September’s mega-fight between two pound-for-pound kings, Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Crawford is moving up two weight divisions from his last fight against Israil Madrimov, and is hoping to become an undisputed champion once more, this time at super-middleweight.
The weight difference is one thing that fans and experts alike just cannot see Crawford beating, but Roy Jones Jr puts no stock in the weight, instead suggesting it’ll come down to just one thing.
Roy Jones Jr brushes off weight criticism as he suggests Crawford’s chin will make or break the fight
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Jones, who believes a fight with Jake Paul is 50/50 at this point in his life, spoke on Canelo vs Crawford.
“I pay no attention to the pushing and shoving. I pay no attention to the weight factor. What I pay attention to is the skill level that both guys show.”
Jones, who is backing Manny Pacquiao to beat Mario Barrios, went on to reveal what the one element he is focusing on is.
“It will all be predicated upon how well Terence can take his punch. […] When you know how to box, when you as skillful as Terence Crawford is, weight don’t really matter much. Only thing that matters with the weight is can you take a punch?”
Roy Jones Jr lost to a UFC fighter in unsuccessful comeback
Following a legendary career, Jones retired in 2018 with a win over 30-11 Scott Sigmon.
He did, however, return to the pro ring in 2023, after an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson in 2020.
In 2023, he faced Anthony Pettis, a former UFC fighter, in his pro boxing debut.
Pettis picked up a majority decision victory over the aged legend after eight hard rounds.