Heavyweight boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. recently opened up about his career and the one thorn in his side when he reflects on the highs and lows.
At one point in Roy Jones Jr.’s career, many speculated that he’d remain largely unblemished in the ring and eventually retire as arguably the greatest of all time. But, everything changed when he was outgunned by Antonio Tarver in their 2004 rematch, when Tarver knocked him out in the second round.
While Jones would go on to accumulate many boxing highlights into his late 40s, the Tarver trilogy overshadows some of his greatness. After defeating Tarver in a controversial majority decision in 2003, Jones suffered two losses to Tarver in addition to a knockout defeat to Glen Johnson.
If Jones could go back in time and change how things ended in his career, he would’ve hung up the gloves when he outpointed Tarver in their first fight, preventing what came next in his career.
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In a recent interview with Andre Ward, Jones explained the biggest regret about his career that remains on his mind to this day.
“After I beat Tarver the first time, I would’ve retired,” Jones admitted. “My body went through a whole lot and I know that now. It took me a while to figure it out, but Ir realized after that first fight, I should’ve stopped for a minute…I didn’t give my body a chance to recover correctly.
“But that’s not who I am…it’s not good for the real world, but if it’s who you are, you’re not going to change it overnight. That rock is going to be a rock.”
Aside from the Tarver trilogy, Jones treated boxing fans to some of the wildest highlights in the sport’s history. His knockouts of Montell Griffin, Percy Harris, and Tony Thornton are moments still discussed by avid fans to this day.
After walking away from professional boxing in 2018, Jones returned last year against former UFC champion Anthony Pettis, losing by majority decision. Despite the loss, the 55-year-old Jones has recently teased a potential clash with Jake Paul.
In addition to a potential boxing comeback, Jones is one of the top boxing analysts. He appeared at the broadcast desk for Netflix’s Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul card earlier this year.
During his career, Jones amassed a 66-10 professional record, with 47 wins by knockout. After a tumultuous childhood and upbringing, he cemented himself as one of the greatest boxers of all time, and during his prime was one of the most talked-about stars in sports.
Jones won his first 34 fights and appeared unbeatable before a disqualification loss to Griffin in 1997. In an immediate rematch, he knocked out Griffin in just under three minutes of fight time.
Jones is one of many professional athletes who regret not walking away from their sporting discipline on top. Despite the disappointing end to his rivalry with Tarver, Jones remains one of the all-time greats to ever enter the ring.