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{{Short description|American boxer (born 1969)}}
{{Redirect|Roy Jones|the English footballer|Roy Jones (footballer)|the aviator|Roy F. Jones}}
{{use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox boxer
| name = Roy Jones Jr.
| image = Rou Jones Jr. (cropped).jpg
| caption = Jones in 2012
| realname = Roy Levesta Jones Jr.
| nickname = {{plainlist|
*Superman
*Junior
*RJ
*Captain Hook
}}
| height = 5 ft 11 in<ref name=statsheavy>''[[HBO Sports]]'' tale of the tape prior to the [[John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr.|John Ruiz fight]].</ref>
| reach = 74 in<ref name=statsheavy />
| weight = {{plainlist|
*[[Middleweight]]
*[[Super middleweight]]
*[[Light heavyweight]]
*[[Cruiserweight (boxing)|Cruiserweight]]
*[[Heavyweight]]
}}
| nationality = {{plainlist|
*American
*Russian
}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|1|16}}
| birth_place = [[Pensacola, Florida]], U.S.
| style = [[Orthodox stance|Orthodox]]
| total = 76
| wins = 66
| KO = 47
| losses = 10
| medaltemplates = 
{{MedalSport | Men's [[amateur boxing]]}}
{{MedalCountry | {{USA}} }}
{{MedalOlympics}}
{{MedalSilver | [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Seoul]] | [[Boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Light middleweight|Light middleweight]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Golden Gloves]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1986 Iowa | [[List of US national Golden Gloves light welterweight champions|Light Welterweight]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1987 Tennessee | [[List of US national Golden Gloves light middleweight champions|Light Middleweight]]}}
{{MedalBronze | 1988 Nebraska | Light Middleweight}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[AAU Junior Olympic Games|National Junior Olympics]]}}
{{MedalGold | 1984 Florida | Bantamweight}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Goodwill Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver | [[1986 Goodwill Games|1986 Moscow]] | Light welterweight}}
}}

'''Roy Levesta Jones Jr.''' (born January 16, 1969) is an American [[professional boxer]].<!-- DO NOT ADD ANY OTHER OCCUPATION per MOS:ROLEBIO --> He has held multiple [[quadruple champion|world championships in four weight classes]], including [[middleweight]], [[super middleweight]], [[light heavyweight]] and [[heavyweight]]. As an [[amateur boxer|amateur]] he represented the United States at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]], winning the [[light middleweight]] silver medal.<ref name="times" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eng.buddhapia.com/_Service/_ContentView/ETC_CONTENT_2.ASP?PK=0000593825&danrak_no=&clss_cd=&top_menu_cd=0000000808|title=Olympic Triumph!|access-date=May 5, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125045144/http://eng.buddhapia.com/_Service/_ContentView/ETC_CONTENT_2.ASP?PK=0000593825&danrak_no=&clss_cd=&top_menu_cd=0000000808|archive-date=January 25, 2008}}</ref>

Jones is considered by many to be one of the greatest boxers of all time, [[pound for pound]], and left his mark in the sport's history when he won the [[World Boxing Association]] (WBA) heavyweight title in 2003, becoming the first and only boxer to win the heavyweight title starting his career as a junior middleweight, and the first former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in 106 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2024 |title=Roy Jones Jr: The Superstar Who Couldn't Be Touched - World Boxing News |url=https://www.worldboxingnews.com/roy-jones-jr-superstar-couldnt-be-touched/ |access-date=October 15, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> From 1999 to 2002 he held the [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed championship]]{{efn|Three-belt era: [[World Boxing Association]] (WBA), [[World Boxing Council]] (WBC) and [[International Boxing Federation]] (IBF) titles.}} at light heavyweight.

As of February 2018, Jones holds the record for the most wins in [[unified champion|unified]] light heavyweight title bouts in boxing history, with twelve. He is the only fighter in [[CompuBox]] history to have his opponent not land a single punch for an entire round.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BEATEN TO THE PUNCH VINNY PAZIENZA FAILED TO SURVIVE EVEN THE MERCIFUL POUNDING DELIVERED BY ROY JONES JR. |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/07/03/beaten-to-the-punch-vinny-pazienza-failed-to-survive-even-the-merciful-pounding-delivered-by-roy-jones-jr |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240409084016/https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/07/03/beaten-to-the-punch-vinny-pazienza-failed-to-survive-even-the-merciful-pounding-delivered-by-roy-jones-jr |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |access-date=July 27, 2025 |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salomone |first=Mario |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Jones Jr vs Pazienza: an uneven challenge wanted by the people |url=https://boxepunch.com/en/boxing-history/great-fights-of-the-past/roy-jones-jr-vs-vinny-pazienza-an-uneven-challenge-wanted-by-the-people/ |access-date=July 27, 2025 |website=Boxe Punch |language=en-GB}}</ref> ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' magazine named him the [[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year|Fighter of the Year]] in 1994 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame named him the Fighter of the Year in 2003. He is also a three-time winner of the [[Best Boxer ESPY Award]] (1996, 2000 and 2003). The [[Boxing Writers Association of America]] and ''[[The Sporting News]]'' named him as the [[Sugar Ray Robinson Award|Fighter of the Decade]] for the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PAST WINNERS |url=https://www.bwaa.org/past-winners |access-date=July 25, 2025 |website=boxingwriters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2, 2024 |title=Who will be Fighter of the Decade? Canelo, Inoue, Usyk, Crawford poised to join pound-for-pound best and boxing's greatest of all time {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/boxing/news/boxing-greatest-all-time-best-fighter-decade-pound-pound/72fe62adb62153547eee317a |access-date=July 25, 2025 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Early life==
Roy Jones Jr. was born to a family with a boxing tradition. His father, Roy Jones Sr., was a [[Vietnam War|Vietnam war]] veteran who was awarded a [[Bronze Star Medal|Bronze Star]] for valor after he rescued another soldier. Jones Sr. was a [[middleweight]] boxer as well.<ref>{{cite book|first=Patrick|last=Myler|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GSDwAAAAMAAJ&q=Roy+Senior+fought+Marvin+Hagler|title=A Century of Boxing Greats: Inside the Ring with the Hundred Best Boxers|year=1998|page=182|publisher=Robson/Parkwest |isbn=9781861051349}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZtWqMbialzYC&q=Sr+facing+Marvin+Hagler|title=Boxing|year=1997|page=194|isbn=9780789301062|last1=Delcourt|first1=Christian|last2=Aujard|first2=Richard|publisher=Universe }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Michael A.|last=Paré|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFJGqPL8AeEC&q=Hagler|title=Sports Stars|year=1996|volume=1|series=2|page=202|isbn=9780787608682}}</ref>

==Amateur career==
Jones won the 1984 United States [[AAU Junior Olympic Games|National Junior Olympics]] in the {{convert|119|lb|abbr=on}} weight division, the 1986 United States [[National Golden Gloves]] in the {{convert|139|lb|abbr=on}} division, and the 1987 United States National Golden Gloves in the {{convert|156|lb|abbr=on}} division. As an amateur, he ended his career with a 121–13 record.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060715170612/http://boxing-records.com/palm/voirpalmaf.phtml?boxeur=jonesroy.html Roy Jones Jr. Amateur Record] at the BoxingRecords. Last updated : March 1, 2006.</ref>

===Highlights===
{{col-begin}}

{{gold1}} [[National Golden Gloves]] (139&nbsp;lbs), [[Cedar Rapids, Iowa]], May 9–10, 1986:
*1/2: Defeated Derrick Rolon by decision
*Finals: Defeated Victor Levine by decision
Goodwill Box-offs (156&nbsp;lbs), [[Caesars Tahoe]], [[Stateline, Nevada|Lake Tahoe, Nevada]], April 12, 1986: 
*Defeated Stanley Longstreet
{{silver2}} [[1986 Goodwill Games|Goodwill Games]] (139&nbsp;lbs), [[Moscow]], [[Soviet Union]], July 5–20, 1986:
*1/4: Defeated Gordon Joyce (Ireland) by unanimous decision, 5–0
*1/2: Lost to Igor Ruzhnikov (Soviet Union) by majority decision, 1–4
{{gold1}} [[National Golden Gloves]] (156&nbsp;lbs), [[Knoxville, Tennessee]], April 17–18, 1987:
*1/8: Defeated Anthony Daley
*1/4: Defeated George Calderon
*1/2: Defeated Donald Giron by decision
*Finals: Defeated Ray McElroy by decision

[[World Junior Boxing Championships|Junior World Championships]] (156&nbsp;lbs), [[Havana, Cuba]], June 26, 1987:
*1/8: Lost to Andy Liebing (East Germany) by majority decision, 1–4
[[United States National Boxing Championships|U.S. National Championships]] (156&nbsp;lbs), [[United States Olympic Training Center|Olympic Sports Center]], [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], March 29, 1988:
*1/8: Lost to [[Frankie Liles|Frank Liles]] by split decision, 2–3
[[National Golden Gloves]] (156&nbsp;lbs), [[Omaha, Nebraska]], May 16–20, 1988:
*1/4: Defeated Hiskia Swartz by walkover
*1/2: Lost to [[Gerald McClellan]] by split decision, 2–3
Olympic Trials (156&nbsp;lbs), [[Concord Pavilion]], [[Concord, California]], July 5–10, 1988:
*1/4: Defeated James Crisp by unanimous decision, 5–0
*1/2: Defeated Ray McElroy by majority decision, 4–1
*Finals: Defeated [[Frankie Liles|Frank Liles]] by split decision, 3–2
Olympic Box-offs (156&nbsp;lbs), [[Caesars Palace]], [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], July 16, 1988:
{{col-end}}

===Olympic results===
{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="When Jones picks up the action, he starts to look like [[Sugar Ray Leonard]], his hands are down, he's taunting, he is offering his face, and then dancing away as [[Richie Woodhall|Woodhall]] tries to punch."|source=—[[Ferdie Pacheco]] on Jones' performance at the Olympic semifinals.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/o-TnU1VuNSU Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140630031707/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-TnU1VuNSU&feature=related Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-TnU1VuNSU&t=292|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Richie Woodhall (1988 Seoul Olympics semi final)|website=[[YouTube]]|date=May 30, 2010 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>}}
Jones represented the United States at the [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Seoul Olympic Games]] in the [[Boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Light middleweight|156-pound weight class]], being the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, where he won the silver medal.<ref name="query.nytimes.com">{{cite news| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE7DD153DF934A35753C1A96E948260 | work=The New York Times | title=In Losing, a Boxer Won | first=David | last=Mamet | date=1988-10-07 | access-date=2010-04-10}}</ref>
* 1/16: Defeated [[M'tendere Makalamba]] (Malawi) KO 1 {{small|(1:44)}}
* 1/8: Defeated [[Michal Franek]] (Czechoslovakia) by unanimous decision, 5–0 {{small|(Franek was given a standing eight count in the 1st rd; and at the 2:33 of the 2nd rd)}}
* 1/4: Defeated [[Yevgeny Zaytsev (boxer)|Yevgeni Zaytsev]] (Soviet Union) by unanimous decision, 5–0 {{small|(Zaytsev suffered a broken nose in the 1st rd)}}
* 1/2: Defeated [[Richie Woodhall]] (United Kingdom) by unanimous decision, 5–0 {{small|(Woodhall suffered a broken nose in the 2nd rd)}}
* Finals: Lost to [[Park Si-hun]] (South Korea) by split decision, 2–3 {{small|(Park was given a standing eight count at 2:11 of the 2nd rd)}}
Jones did not lose a single round en route to the final. His quarterfinal match-up with Soviet boxer Yevgeni Zaytsev was the first U.S.–Soviet Olympic bout in 12 years (because each country had boycotted one Summer Olympics during that period). The final was met with controversy when Jones lost a 2–3 decision to South Korean fighter [[Park Si-Hun]] despite pummeling Park for three rounds, landing 86 punches to Park's 32.<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/> Reportedly, Park himself apologized to Jones afterward and the Italian referee Aldo Leoni, while raising Park's hand, told Jones that he was dumbstruck by the judges' decision, murmuring: "I can't believe they're doing this to you."<ref name="times">{{cite news |last=Vecsey |first=George |title=Nice Gesture Substitutes For Justice |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/26/sports/sports-of-the-times-nice-gesture-substitutes-for-justice.html |access-date=2020-08-15 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 26, 1997 |page=C1}}</ref> One judge shortly thereafter admitted the decision was a mistake and all three judges voting against Jones were eventually suspended. [[Marv Albert]], calling the bout on American television for NBC, reported that two judges from Communist countries, [[Hungarian People's Republic|Hungary]] and the [[Soviet Union]], scored the bout in favor of Jones, while those from [[Morocco]] and [[Uruguay]] favored Park. The fifth judge, from [[Uganda]], scored the bout as a draw, leaving the outcome to be decided on other criteria.

An official [[IOC]] investigation ending in 1997 found that, although the offending judges had been wined and dined by South Korean organizers, there was no evidence of corruption in the boxing events in Seoul.<ref name="www.theguardian.com">{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/feb/15/olympic-moments-roy-jones-jr | work=The Guardian | title=50 stunning Olympic moments No14: Roy Jones Jr cheated out of gold | first=John | last=Ashdown | date=2012-02-15}}</ref> Jones was awarded the [[Val Barker trophy]] as the best stylistic boxer of the 1988 games, which was only the third and to this day the last time in the competition's history when the award did not go to one of the gold medal winners. The Val Barker trophy is awarded by the [[AIBA]], an organization not directly connected with the Olympic authorities. The incident led Olympic organizers to establish a new scoring system for Olympic boxing.<ref name="times"/>

The U.S. Olympic Committee called for an investigation in 1996 after documents belonging to East Germany's Stasi secret police revealed reports of judges being paid to vote for South Korean boxers.<ref name="abcnews.go.com">{{cite news| url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/decades-jones-fight-gold-stings-park-72300272 | work=abc News | title=50 Three decades after Jones fight, gold still stings for Park | first=TONG-HYUNG | last=KIM | date=2020-08-11}}</ref> East Germany ended the Seoul Olympics in second place on the medal table, ahead of the United States by one gold medal.

Jones and Park met face to face in May 2023, with the South Korean boxer giving his Olympic gold medal over to Jones as a gesture of justice over the controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=35 Years Later, Park Si-Hun Gives Roy Jones Jr. His Olympic Gold Medal {{!}} BoxingScene |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/roy-jones-jnr-receives-olympic-gold-decades-after-controversial-loss-to-park-si-hun |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Professional career==

===Early career===
On turning professional, he had already sparred with many professional boxers, including [[North American Boxing Federation|NABF]] Champion Ronnie Essett, [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] Champion [[Lindell Holmes]] and [[Sugar Ray Leonard]]. Jones began as a professional on May 6, 1989, knocking out Ricky Randall in two rounds in [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]] at the Bayfront Auditorium. For his next fight, he faced the more experienced Stephan Johnson in [[Atlantic City]], beating him by a [[knockout]] in round eight.

Jones built a record of 15–0 with 15 knockouts before stepping up in class to meet former World [[Welterweight]] Champion [[Jorge Vaca]] in a [[Pay Per View]] fight on January 10, 1992. He knocked Vaca out in round one to reach 16 knockout wins in a row. After one more KO, Jones went the distance for the first time against future world champion [[Jorge Castro (boxer)|Jorge Castro]], winning a 10-round decision in front of a [[USA Network]] national audience.

===Middleweight champion===
====Jones vs. Hopkins====
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bernard Hopkins|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Thomas Tate}}
Jones made his first attempt at a world title on May 22, 1993. He beat future Undisputed [[middleweight]] champion [[Bernard Hopkins]] by unanimous decision in Washington, D.C., to capture the [[List of IBF world champions|IBF middleweight championship]]. Jones was ahead on all three judges' scorecards (116-112 three times). Jones landed 206 of 594 punches (35%) and Hopkins connected on 153 of 670 (23%).<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/uE3t6BBgVpE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160625004444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE3t6BBgVpE&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=TheProdigy|title=Bernard Hopkins Vs Roy Jones Jr. I full fight|date=2014-06-02|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE3t6BBgVpE|access-date=2017-02-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Jones claimed he had entered the bout with a broken right hand, but still managed to outpoint Hopkins and secure a unanimous decision win. Jones reminded the world of this claim on his hit single "Ya'll Must've Forgot" later in his career.

For his next fight, he fought another future world champion, [[Thulani Malinga|Thulane "Sugar Boy" Malinga]], in a non-title affair. Jones beat Malinga by knockout in six rounds. Jones finished the year with another win, beating Fermin Chirino by decision. In 1994, Jones beat Danny "Popeye" Garcia by knockout in six, then retained his IBF title against [[Thomas Tate (boxer)|Thomas Tate]] in two rounds at [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] on May 27.

===Super middleweight champion===
====Jones vs. Toney====
{{Main|James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Vinny Pazienza}}
On November 18, 1994, Jones was set to face undefeated IBF [[Super Middleweight|super middleweight]] Champion [[James Toney]], who was ranked highly in the "pound for pound" rankings. Toney was undefeated after 46 bouts and was rated the best in the world at 168&nbsp;lbs. Billed as "The Uncivil War", Toney vs. Jones was heavily hyped and on PPV. Jones, for the first time in his career, was the underdog.

Over the course of the 12-round unanimous decision, Jones demonstrated his greatness. He danced circles around Toney, utilizing his speed and athleticism to dictate the action, and landing quick combinations whenever Toney pressured him. Jones scored a flash knockdown in the third round with a leaping left hook after goading Toney by imitating a fighting cock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/oct/12/boxing-sportinterviews|title=Jones goes off the script|website=guardian.com|date=11 October 2008|access-date=2016-10-20}}</ref> Ring magazine called Jones' performance the most dominant of any big fight in 20 years. Jones landed 285 of 614 punches (46%) and Toney connected on 157 of 451 (35%). Jones was ahead on all three judges' scorecards (117–110, 119–108 and 118–109). The fight generated 300,000 pay-per-view buys.<ref>{{Citation|last=SeeCaBoxing|title=Roy Jones Jr vs James Toney (Full Fight)|date=2013-02-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WFNxRhldoQ| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329153325/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WFNxRhldoQ| archive-date=2014-03-29 | url-status=dead|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/on-this-day-roy-jones-dominates-james-toney-in-super-middleweight-masterclass/|title=On This Day: Roy Jones dominates James Toney in super-middleweight masterclass - Boxing News|date=2016-11-18|newspaper=Boxing News|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref>

====Miscellaneous defenses====
{{main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Éric Lucas|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bryant Brannon}}
In 1995, Jones defended his super middleweight title successfully multiple times. He began the year by knocking out IBF #1 Antoine Byrd in round one. This was the first time a championship fight took place at Pensacola. In a fight billed as '''The Devil & Mr Jones''<nowiki/>', he faced former IBF [[lightweight]] Champion [[Vinny Pazienza]] and defeated him in round six, after knocking down Pazienza three times. In the fourth round, Jones became the first fighter in CompuBox history to go an entire round without being hit by his opponent. Pazienza was credited with throwing five punches and landing zero. Pazienza was guaranteed $1.35 million, while Jones, who worked off percentages of the gate and the pay-per-view revenue, was guaranteed at least $2 million.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/oLcYb3o6buE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20151118162630/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLcYb3o6buE&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=Ritchie .T A|title=Roy Jones Junior vs Vinny Pazienza - IBF Super Middleweight Title Fight|date=2013-08-05|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLcYb3o6buE|access-date=2017-02-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fightsaga.com/Fights/item/933-Jones-vs-Pazienza|title=Jones vs Pazienza|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2007/10/26/91435/864|title=Bad Left Hook Retro: Roy Jones, Jr. v. Vinny Pazienza|last=Christ|first=Scott|date=2007-10-26|website=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> Jones then beat [[Tony Thornton]] in round three by KO three months later.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/a_LHLFpKRAw Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170213123632/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_LHLFpKRAw Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=Ritchie .T A|title=Roy Jones Junior vs Tony Thornton - IBF Super Middleweight Title Fight|date=2013-08-05|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_LHLFpKRAw|access-date=2017-02-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxing.com/roy_jones_jr_vs_tony_thornton.html|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Tony Thornton - Boxing.com|website=www.boxing.com|access-date=2017-02-09|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211160726/http://www.boxing.com/roy_jones_jr_vs_tony_thornton.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://roundbyroundboxing.com/flashback-friday-roy-jones-jr-vs-tony-thornton/|title=Flashback Friday {{!}} Roy Jones Jr. vs. Tony Thornton|website=roundbyroundboxing.com|date=January 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref>

In 1996, Jones maintained his winning ways, defeating Merqui Sosa by knockout in two and future world champion [[Eric Lucas]] in round 11.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://basementgymboxing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/merqui-sosa-attacks-referee-while-roy.html|title=Merqui Sosa Attacks Referee While Roy Jones Junior Celebrates: GIF Spotlight|website=basementgymboxing.blogspot.co.uk|date=4 June 2014|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> When he boxed Lucas, he became the first athlete to participate in two paid sports events on the same day. He had played a basketball game in the morning and defended his boxing title in Jacksonville, Florida that evening.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1996/06/24/all-in-a-days-work-roy-jones-jr-took-moonlighting-to-a-new-level |title=ALL IN A DAY'S WORK ROY JONES JR. TOOK MOONLIGHTING TO A NEW LEVEL |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=1996-06-24 |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref> He also held a press conference in the ring just before his 3rd bout of the year, taking questions from a chair in the middle of the ring and defending his choice of Bryant Brannon as his opponent instead of [[Frankie Liles]], his nemesis from the amateurs. He then defeated Bryant Brannon in a round two TKO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-khWAAAAIBAJ&pg=5685,4407931&dq=roy+jones+eric+lucas&hl=en|title=Eugene Register-Guard - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=LIFEBOXINGNETvideos|title=1996 06 15 Roy Jones Jr vs Eric Lucas|date=2013-02-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sty4TVaYJVw| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213115427/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sty4TVaYJVw| archive-date=2017-02-13 | url-status=dead|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fightsaga.com/boxing-videos/item/3202-Roy-Jones-Jr-vs-Bryant-Brannon-(1996)-Facts,-Stats-Highlights|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Bryant Brannon (1996) {{!}} Facts, Stats & Highlights|last=zpmgifqson|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-gb}}</ref>

===First reign as light heavyweight champion===
====Jones vs McCallum====
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Mike McCallum}}
In November 1996 at [[Ice Palace (Tampa arena)|Ice Palace]], [[Tampa, Florida]], Jones defeated 40-year-old former three-weight world champion [[Mike McCallum]] via a shutout decision (120–107, 3 times) before a crowd of 12,000, to win the vacant [[Interim champion|Interim]] [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] [[Light Heavyweight]] title. Jones scored a knockdown just before the bell at the end of round 10. Jones landed 254 of 535 punches (47%) throughout the 12 rounds and McCallum connected on 209 of 651 (32%) Jones was soon upgraded to full champion by the WBC when former titlist [[Fabrice Tiozzo]] moved up to cruiserweight. Jones made $2.8 million from the fight and McCallum got $750,000.<ref>{{Citation|last=FameKillusion|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Mike McCallum 34th of 60+|date=2012-01-14|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoNFacF-x8s| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213120743/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoNFacF-x8s| archive-date=2017-02-13 | url-status=dead|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxing.com/roy_jones_jr_vs_mike_mccallum.html|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Mike McCallum - Boxing.com|website=www.boxing.com|access-date=2017-02-09|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211083226/http://www.boxing.com/roy_jones_jr_vs_mike_mccallum.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/23/sports/jones-jr-wins-wbc-title.html|title=Jones Jr. Wins W.B.C. Title|last=Nobles|first=Charlie|date=1996-11-23|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-09|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Griffin====
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Montell Griffin}}
In 1997 Jones had his first professional loss, a disqualification against [[Montell Griffin]] (26–0, 18 KOs) at the Taj Majal Hotel & Casino in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]]. Griffin was trained by the legendary [[Eddie Futch]], who had taught him how to take advantage of Jones technical mistakes and lack of basic boxing fundamentals. Griffin jumped out to an early lead on Jones but by round 9 Jones was ahead on the scorecards by a point and had Griffin on the canvas early in round nine. But as Griffin took a knee on the canvas to avoid further punishment, Jones hit him twice. Subsequently, Jones was disqualified and lost his title. At the time of disqualification, Jones was ahead on two of the judges' scorecards (75–76, 77–75, 76–75).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/jones-dq-title-griffin-article-1.764629|title=JONES DQ GIVES TITLE TO GRIFFIN|newspaper=NY Daily News|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://roundbyroundboxing.com/flashback-friday-roy-jones-jr-vs-montell-griffin-could-lightning-strike-twice/|title=Flashback Friday: Roy Jones Jr. vs. Montell Griffin – Could Lightning Strike Twice?|website=roundbyroundboxing.com|date=November 28, 2014 |language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref>

===Second reign as light heavyweight champion===
====Jones vs. Griffin II====
{{Main|Montell Griffin vs. Roy Jones Jr. II}}
Jones sought an immediate rematch five months later at [[Foxwoods Resort Casino|Foxwoods Resort]], [[Connecticut]], US, and regained the World Light Heavyweight title easily, knocking Griffin down within the first 20 seconds of the fight, then ending the fight by knocking Griffin out 2 minutes and 31 seconds in with a leaping left hand shot. The fight took place in a bingo hall before a sellout crowd of 4,500. Both Jones and Griffin earned a $1.5 million purse.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/oCr_igXBWRk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130116190438/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCr_igXBWRk&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=DSINsomnia|title=1997 Roy Jones Jr vs Montell Griffin 2|date=2010-08-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCr_igXBWRk|access-date=2017-02-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=27k8AAAAIBAJ&pg=3640,4701277&dq=roy+jones+montell+griffin&hl=en|title=Reading Eagle - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dRRJAAAAIBAJ&pg=1810,1011123&dq=roy+jones+montell+griffin&hl=en|title=The Hour - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref>

===Heavyweight ambitions===
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Virgil Hill}}
Jones was linked to his [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] mandatory [[Michael Nunn]] after regaining the title,<ref>{{cite news |author1=George Albano |title=Jones finishes business |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dRRJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bwYNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1810,1011123&dq=roy+jones+montell+griffin&hl=en |access-date=2 September 2024 |work=The Norwalk Hour |date=8 August 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jones Ko's Griffin To Take Back Crown |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=27k8AAAAIBAJ&sjid=m6YFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3640,4701277&dq=roy+jones+montell+griffin&hl=en |access-date=2 September 2024 |work=Reading Eagle |date=8 August 1997}}</ref> however in November he opted to vacate his belt in order to move up to heavyweight with a $6,000,000 deal to face former undisputed champion [[Buster Douglas]] on the table.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Jay Heater |title=Jones Jr. Busting Into Heavyweight Class |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=StYpAAAAIBAJ&dq=roy+jones+James+Buster+Douglas&pg=PA17&article_id=6754,639487 |access-date=2 September 2024 |work=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |date=3 February 1998}}</ref> Ultimately however Jones's father convinced him to stay at light heavyweight, telling him he was "risking his life" by fighting Douglas.<ref>{{cite news |title=PLUS: BOXING; Jones-Douglas Is Off |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/05/sports/plus-boxing-jones-douglas-is-off.html |access-date=2 September 2024 |work=New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=5 February 1998}}</ref> Instead Jones signed to fight former light heavyweight champion [[Virgil Hill]] at a 177 1/2 lb catchweight. He would also be named the WBC's light heavyweight "champion in recess".

Jones would become the first man to knockout Hill, stopping him in the 4th round with a huge right hand to the body that broke one of Hill's ribs.<ref>[[Franz Lidz|Lidz, Franz]] (May 4, 1998). [https://www.si.com/vault/1998/05/04/242561/will-he-be-a-tyson-chicken-after-nailing-virgil-hill-roy-jones-wants-a-big-bank-shot-against-a-heavyweight "Will He Be A Tyson Chicken? After nailing Virgil Hill, Roy Jones wants a big-bank shot against a heavyweight"]. ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''. [[Time Inc.]] Retrieved April 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Christie, Matt (February 21, 2017). [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/roy-jones-jrs-desire-fight-9861979 "Roy Jones Jr's desire to fight on is understandable but he must retire now to be remembered as an all-time great"]. ''[[Daily Mirror]]''. [[Trinity Mirror]]. Retrieved April 6, 2017.</ref><ref name="remember">{{cite news |author1=Timothy W Smith |title=BOXING; Remember Roy Jones? Virgil Hill Is Likely To |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/26/sports/boxing-remember-roy-jones-virgil-hill-is-likely-to.html |access-date=23 November 2024 |work=New York Times |date=26 April 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528112018/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/26/sports/boxing-remember-roy-jones-virgil-hill-is-likely-to.html |archive-date=28 May 2014}}</ref>

===Third reign as light heavyweight champion===
{{Main|Lou Del Valle vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
Jones would next sign to challenge [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] light heavyweight champion [[Lou Del Valle]]. Del Valle, a former sparring partner to Jones, had won the WBA belt in September 1997 (which had been vacated by Lineal champion [[Dariusz Michalczewski]] in July) by stopping Eddy Smulders of the Netherlands in the eighth round.<ref>{{cite news |title=Boxing: American Lou Del Valle wins World Boxing Association light- heavyweight title |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/boxing-american-lou-del-valle-wins-world-boxing-association-light-heavyweight-title-1240559.html |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=The Independent |date=21 September 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sparring Partner Gets Crack At Jones |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n-AgAAAAIBAJ&dq=Roy+Jones+Jr.+Lou+Del+Valle&pg=PA11&article_id=3728,3059713 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Sun Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=18 June 1998}}</ref> Despite its billing as a unification bout, Jones was not recognized as the full WBC champion, that being [[Graciano Rocchigiani]]<ref>{{cite news |title=World Boxing Council ratings as of July 1998 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=usMdAAAAIBAJ&dq=WBC+rankings+July+1998&pg=PA75&article_id=1550,4748843 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |publisher=World Boxing Council |date=25 July 1998}}</ref>

Jones would win against Del Valle, by a decision in 12 on July 18, to became a three time champion. Jones had to climb off the canvas for the first time in his career, as he was dropped in round eight, but continued to outbox Del Valle throughout the rest of the fight and gained a unanimous decision.

By October the WBC had demoted its light heavyweight champion Rocchigiani to an "interim champion"<ref>{{cite news |title=World Boxing Council ratings as of October 1998 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xnVIAAAAIBAJ&dq=WBC+rankings&pg=PA35&article_id=1262,9905882 |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=The Vindicator |publisher=World Boxing Council |date=15 October 1998}}</ref> after inexplicably claiming its references in promotions and contracts to the Rocchigiani-Nunn fight as a championship bout, and to Rocchigiani as the champion in its rankings, had been "typographical errors".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=9n9U_0i9ZOEC&dq=rocchigiani+v.+World+Boxing+Council%2C+Inc.&pg=PA78 Rocchigiani v. World Boxing Council, Inc.]</ref> As a consequence Jones was elevated by the WBC to their full champion, making him a unified light heavyweight champion.

===Unified light heavyweight champion===
{{main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Otis Grant}}
[[File:Fred Levin and Roy Jones in 2002.jpg|thumb|Jones with [[Fred Levin]], 2002]]
Jones would next make a defense against [[Otis Grant]]. He retained the crown by knocking Grant out in ten rounds.<ref>{{Citation|last=Christ|first=Scott|title=KO of the Day (Dec. 3, 2014)|date=2014-12-03|url=http://www.badlefthook.com/2014/12/3/7327795/ko-of-the-day-roy-jones-jr-vs-virgil-hill|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/26/sports/boxing-remember-roy-jones-virgil-hill-is-likely-to.html|title=BOXING; Remember Roy Jones? Virgil Hill Is Likely To|last=Smith|first=Timothy W.|date=1998-04-26|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-09|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/7uch5bfyUbc Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170213115009/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uch5bfyUbc Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=Ringside Videos|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Virgil Hill|date=2016-10-12|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uch5bfyUbc|access-date=2017-02-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Jones began 1999 by knocking out the WBC number one ranked contender at the time, Rick Frazier a 39 year old [[New York City]] police officer promoted by [[Don King]].

===Undisputed light heavyweight champion===
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Reggie Johnson|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Julio César González|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Clinton Woods}}
On June 5 of that year, Jones beat IBF champion [[Reggie Johnson (boxer)|Reggie Johnson]] by a lopsided 12-round decision to become the [[Undisputed championship (boxing)|undisputed]] light heavyweight champion, as well as the first to unify the WBA, WBC and IBF titles at that weight since [[Michael Spinks]] in 1983. Jones dropped Johnson in the first round and hard in the third round but backed off and allowed Reggie to finish the fight.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Timothy W. Smith |title=BOXING; Roy Jones Becomes Undisputed Champion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/06/sports/boxing-roy-jones-becomes-undisputed-champion.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103111823/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/06/sports/boxing-roy-jones-becomes-undisputed-champion.html |archive-date=3 November 2012 |location=Biloxi, Mississippi|date=6 June 1999}}</ref>

A match with [[Graciano Rocchigiani]] was scheduled for November 1999 after Rocchigiani filed a lawsuit against Jones' promotional companies M&M Sports and Square Ring Promotions Inc due to Jones' reluctance to box Rocchigiani.<ref>[http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/fw10599.htm The Cyber Boxing Zone Newswire, 3 October 1999]</ref> However, the match was canceled by Jones' promoter Murad Muhammad after Rocchigiani missed a press conference. After initially threatening to strip Jones of his title if he didn't arrange another match with Rocchigiani,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150221082449/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=wbc-lawyer-roy-jones-jr.-has-to-fight-rocchigiani-1999-10-08 WBC lawyer: Roy Jones Jr. has to fight Rocchigiani]</ref> the WBC stripped Rocchigiani outright.

In November he would also be awarded the vacant IBO belt.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jones Adds Ibo Belt Without Even Fighting |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pckwAAAAIBAJ&dq=Roy+Jones+Jr+ibo&pg=PA1&article_id=4679,1315884 |access-date=3 January 2025 |work=Toledo Blade |date=19 November 1999 |location=Pensacola, Florida |page=46}}</ref>

The year 2000 began with Jones easily beating the hard-punching David Telesco via a 12-round decision on January 15 at [[Radio City Music Hall]] to retain his titles, which was also the first fight hosted at the venue. Jones reportedly fractured his wrist a few weeks before the bout and fought almost exclusively one-handed. He also entered the ring to a live performance of "[[Blackout! (Method Man & Redman album)|Da Rockwilder]]" by rappers [[Method Man]] and [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Roy Jones Jr. with Method Man & Redman at Radio City Music Hall - Classic Performance! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcOvrK_fEYg |website=YouTube | date=March 19, 2012 |publisher=Home Box Office |access-date=11 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Redman and Snoop on Mt. Kushmore (GGN with Snoop Dogg) |author1=Snoop Dogg |author2=Redman |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9xlqteRuHg |website=YouTube |access-date=15 April 2023 |date=8 October 2013 |language=en}}</ref> His next fight was also a first-time boxing event for a venue, as he traveled to [[Indianapolis]] and retained his title with an 11-round technical knockout over [[Richard Hall (boxer)|Richard Hall]] at the [[Conseco Fieldhouse]]. Jones ended 2000 with a 10-round stoppage of undefeated [[Eric Harding]] in New Orleans.<ref>{{Citation|last=FameKillusion|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Eric Harding 44th of 60+|date=2015-11-10|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd5wwSLG1vA| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213125045/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd5wwSLG1vA| archive-date=2017-02-13 | url-status=dead|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref>

In 2001, Jones released ''[[Round One: The Album]]'', a [[hip hop music|rap]] CD. That year he retained the title against [[Derrick Harmon (running back)|Derrick Harmon]] by a knockout in ten and against future world champion [[Julio César González]] of [[Mexico]] by a 12-round unanimous decision before a crowd of 20,409. The three judges scored it (119–106, 118–107, 119–106) all for Jones. Jones knocked Gonzalez down in rounds one, five and twelve and earned a $1.5 million purse. Jones landed 192 of 375 punches (51%) whilst Gonzalez connected on a very low 91 of 609 (15%).<ref>{{Citation|last=FameKillusion|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Julio Cesar Gonzalez 46th of 60+|date=2015-11-09|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCFTMp8pGio| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213134059/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCFTMp8pGio| archive-date=2017-02-13 | url-status=dead|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> Jones was awarded the [[World Boxing Federation (organization)|World Boxing Federation's]] light heavyweight title on in November 2001.<ref name="PNJ">{{Citation| last =Dominitz| first =Nathan| year =2001| title =Jones gets more gold hardware|  publisher= Pensacola News Journal| url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/268676401/?terms=%22world%20boxing%20federation%22%20Larry%20Carrier| access-date = 12 April 2023}}</ref>

In 2002, Jones retained his title by knocking out Australian boxer [[Glen Kelly (boxer)|Glen Kelly]] in seven rounds. Jones put both hands behind his back. As Kelly moved in behind a jab, Jones went over the jab with a right to the head. Kelly went down and was counted out. Jones landed 124 of 249 punches (50%) and Kelly connected on 42 of 171 (25%). Before this bout, Jones was awarded [[List of The Ring world champions|''The Ring'']] Championship belt.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/M3ljICMuCP4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170213123750/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3ljICMuCP4 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=HDBoxingKnockouts|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Glen Kelly 02.02.2002 HD|date=2015-06-23|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3ljICMuCP4|access-date=2017-02-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Jones then defeated future world champion, WBC No. 1 [[Clinton Woods]] by [[technical knockout]] before a crowd of 16,229. He performed a song from his CD during his ring entrance. The bout was stopped in round 6 after Woods' corner threw in the towel. Jones landed 140 of 300 punches (47%) and Woods connected on 39 of 166 (23%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxing.com/roy_jones_jr_vs_clinton_woods.html|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Clinton Woods - Boxing.com|website=www.boxing.com|access-date=2017-02-09|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211083220/http://www.boxing.com/roy_jones_jr_vs_clinton_woods.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="boxing247.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxing247.com/news/JonesvsWoods.php|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Clinton Woods: The "Majestic" Roy Jones Jr. / Roy Jones Jr. A Legend In His Own Mind|website=www.boxing247.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref>

===Heavyweight champion===
====Jones vs. Ruiz====
{{Main|John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
On March 1, 2003, at the [[Thomas & Mack Center]] in Las Vegas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing-news/Ruiz-vs-Jones.php |title=Jones Jr - Ruiz: John Ruiz Puts His Heavyweight Title on the Line Against Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champ Roy Jones |access-date=December 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612001013/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing-news/Ruiz-vs-Jones.php |archive-date=June 12, 2007 }}</ref> Jones defeated [[John Ruiz]], the man who defeated an aging [[Evander Holyfield]], for the WBA [[Heavyweight]] title in front of 15,300 fans. Jones officially weighed in at {{convert|193|lb|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/oct/26/boxing-roy-jones-jnr | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=How I got my body | date=2008-10-26 | access-date=2010-04-10}}</ref> and Ruiz at {{convert|226|lb|abbr=on}}. Jones became the first former middleweight title holder to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/james-lawton/james-lawton-calzaghe-should-beware-the-ageing-warrior-14046206.html|title=James Lawton: Calzaghe should beware the ageing warrior|work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk}}</ref> Jones also became the first fighter to start his career as a [[light middleweight]] and win a heavyweight title,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ringsidebygus.com/roy-jones-jr-tickets.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070223132608/http://www.ringsidebygus.com/roy-jones-jr-tickets.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-02-23|title=ringsidebygus.com|website=Ringsidebygus.com|access-date=2015-04-16}}</ref> and the second reigning [[light heavyweight]] champion after [[Michael Spinks]] in 1985 to move up in weight and claim a major [[heavyweight]] championship in his first fight in the division. Jones was guaranteed $10 million against 60% of the profits. Ruiz had no guarantee. He received 40% of the profits, which he had to share with promoter [[Don King (boxing promoter)|Don King]]. Jones won on all three scorecards (116–112, 118–110 & 117–111).<ref name="boxing247.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2003-02-26-jones-ruiz_x.htm|title=USATODAY.com - Jones finally helps promote Ruiz bout|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/on-this-day-roy-jones-jnr-makes-history-against-john-ruiz/|title=On this day: Roy Jones Jnr makes history against John Ruiz - Boxing News|date=2016-03-01|newspaper=Boxing News|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref> According to Mark Taffet, HBO's senior vice president of sports operations and pay-per-view, the fight generated 602,000 pay-per-view buys.

===Return to light heavyweight===
====Jones vs. Tarver====
{{Main|Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
Jones chose to return to the light heavyweight division and on November 8, 2003, he defeated [[Antonio Tarver]] to retain the IBO and ''The Ring'' Light Heavyweight Championships, win Tarver's WBC title, and win the vacant WBA (Unified) title.<ref name="hbo.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2003/1108_jones_tarver/columns/index.html|title=HBO: Boxing: All Fights : Upcoming|work=HBO}}</ref> Jones appeared a lot weaker after coming back down to the light heavyweight division, losing the muscle he gained for the heavyweight fight seemed to have taken a toll on his aging body and his cat-like reflexes appeared diminished. Jones won by majority decision, the judges giving him 117–111, 116–112 and 114–114.<ref name="hbo.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_FE1AAAAIBAJ&pg=5075,2645670&dq=roy+jones+tarver+associated&hl=en|title=Bangor Daily News - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rkRaAAAAIBAJ&pg=715,11488220&dq=roy+jones+holyfield&hl=en|title=Philippine Daily Inquirer - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/bruising-win-leaves-roy-marked-man-article-1.526758|title=BRUISING WIN LEAVES ROY MARKED MAN|newspaper=NY Daily News|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en}}</ref>

===Fall from grace===
====Jones vs. Tarver II====
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Antonio Tarver II}}
On May 15, 2004, Jones faced Tarver in a rematch. Jones was heavily favored to win, but Tarver knocked him down at 1:31 of the second round. Jones had won the first round (Tarver only landed two punches in the first round), but in the second, as Jones tried a combination, he was caught by a big counter left hook from Tarver. Jones got on his feet by the count, but for the first time in his career was ruled unable to continue by referee [[Jay Nady]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2004-05-16-tarver-jones_x.htm|title=USATODAY.com - Tarver shocks Jones with knockout win|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-16-sp-boxing16-story.html|title=Tarver Pulls Off a Jaw-Dropping Upset|last=Springer|first=Steve|date=2004-05-16|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2017-02-09|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Johnson====
{{Main|Glen Johnson vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
On September 25, 2004, Jones attempted to win the IBF light heavyweight title from [[Glen Johnson (boxer)|Glen Johnson]] in a match in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], Tennessee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2004/0925_jones_johnson/columns/index.html|title=HBO: Boxing: All Fights : Upcoming|work=HBO}}</ref> Johnson knocked out Jones 49 seconds into the ninth round. Jones lay on the canvas for three minutes after being counted out.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/3690784.stm | work=BBC News | title=Johnson floors Jones | date=2004-09-26 | access-date=2010-04-10}}</ref> Johnson was ahead on all three judges' scorecards at the time of the knockout (77–75, 77–75, 78–74) and had landed 118 punches to Jones's 75.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2004-09-26-johnson-jones_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA|title=USATODAY.com - Johnson knocks out Roy Jones in ninth|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-knocked-out-by-glen-johnson--48|title=Roy Jones Knocked Out By Glen Johnson! - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=October 3, 2004 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> Jones used the ring's canvas that night as a billboard for his upcoming rap CD, which came out November 1.

====Jones vs. Tarver III====
{{Main|Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III}}
After almost a year away from the ring, focusing on training and working as an analyst for HBO Boxing, Jones scheduled a third fight with Antonio Tarver, on October 1, 2005, a sellout crowd of 20,895 at the [[St. Pete Times Forum]] in [[Tampa, Florida]], which aired on HBO PPV. For only the second time in his career, Jones was considered an underdog going into the fight.

Tarver won by unanimous decision (117–111, 116–112, 116–112) and had Jones out on his feet in the 11th round. Tarver landed 158 of 620 punches (25%) and Jones connected on 85 of 320 (27%). Despite being clearly behind from early in the contest, there was little urgency in either Jones' corner or his performance as he seemed content to make it to the end of the fight following his back-to-back knockout losses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2005/10/02/Sports/Tarver_stakes_his_cla.shtml|title=Tarver beats Jones again|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051210210348/http://www.sptimes.com/2005/10/02/Sports/Tarver_stakes_his_cla.shtml|archive-date=2005-12-10|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2006-07-26-fathers-sons-trainers_x.htm|title=USATODAY.com - Fathers, sons take fighting beyond the ring|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com|access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref>

In the post-fight interview with ESPN's [[Brian Kenny (sportscaster)|Brian Kenny]], Jones said that he would like to fight again. He would welcome a fourth bout with Tarver or another duel with Johnson. The fighters earned in excess of $4 million apiece plus a share of pay-per-view revenues, with the fight generating 440,000 pay-per-view buys.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2178473|title=Rafael: Tarver beats Jones again|date=2005-10-28|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2016-07-29}}</ref>

====Fallout with HBO====
[[File:Roy Jones, Jr. & Jim Lampley.jpg|thumb|Jones with co-commentator [[Jim Lampley]], 2010]]
After the loss in the third Tarver bout, Jones resumed his duties as a commentator for ''[[HBO World Championship Boxing]]'', calling the [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]]&ndash;[[Sharmba Mitchell]] fight on November 19, 2005, and the [[Jermain Taylor]]&ndash;[[Bernard Hopkins]] rematch on December 3, 2005. His return to the network was short-lived, as Jones was let go from his ringside analyst role in January 2006. HBO cited his reported lack of commitment to attending the network's production meetings.<ref name="HBO">{{cite web |last1=Rafael |first1=Dan |title=Roy Jones back on HBO -- as an announcer |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dan-rafael/post/_/id/99/roy-jones-returns-hbo-announcer-not-fighter |website=ESPN.com |access-date=8 July 2022 |date=20 January 2011}}</ref> Jones returned as a guest analyst for several bouts in 2010, and HBO brought him back the next year as their analyst for [[Boxing After Dark]].<ref name="HBO" />

===Comeback trail===
====Back to winning ways====
[[File:Roy Jones 2.jpg|thumb|Jones in 2006]]
Jones took on [[Prince Badi Ajamu]] (25–2–1, 14 KOs) on July 29, 2006, at the [[CenturyLink Arena|Qwest Arena]] in [[Boise, Idaho]]. Jones defeated Ajamu by a unanimous decision (119–106, 3 times), winning the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] [[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] light heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=7765&more=1|title=Williams_Wiggins|website=Eastsideboxing.com|access-date=2015-04-16}}</ref> Ajamu won the first round on all three official scorecards, however it was the only round he won. Ajamu also lost two points for repeated low blows in round seven and one more in round eight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2534120|title=Jones frustrates Ajamu in comeback bout|date=2006-07-30|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

Next up for Jones was the undefeated 29-year-old [[Anthony Hanshaw]] (24–0–1, 14 KOs), on July 14, 2007, at the [[Mississippi Coast Coliseum]] in [[Biloxi, Mississippi]]. Hanshaw was ranked 11th by the [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] at super middleweight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/113496|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Anthony Hanshaw On July 14 • Boxing News|date=2007-05-23|work=Boxing News Archive|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/anthony-hanshaw-i-retire-roy-jones-jr--8973|title=Anthony Hanshaw: "I Will Retire Roy Jones, Jr."|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> Hanshaw was knocked down in the 11th round. Jones won the bout by unanimous decision (114–113, 117–110, 118–109) to claim the vacant [[List of boxing organisations|International Boxing Council]] light heavyweight title.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/tn0HFjyaHI4 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200830182513/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn0HFjyaHI4&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Citation|last=Classic Boxing Matches|title=Roy Jones Jr vs Anthony Hanshaw 14.7.2007 - IBC Light Heavyweight Title|date=2015-12-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn0HFjyaHI4|access-date=2018-01-02}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2937056|title=Jones Jr. earns IBC title in unanimous decision|date=2007-07-15|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Trinidad====
{{Main|Félix Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
[[File:Jones, Roy Jr (2007).JPG|thumb|Jones promoting his fight against [[Félix Trinidad|Trinidad]], 2007]]
On January 19, 2008, Jones faced former three-weight world champion [[Félix Trinidad]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] in New York City. Trinidad had also won the WBA Middleweight Title by defeating then Champion William Joppy. The bout was fought at a [[catchweight]] of 170&nbsp;lbs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2008/0119_trinidad_jones/news/announcement.html|title=HBO: Boxing: Felix Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.|work=HBO}}</ref> Jones had a noticeable size and speed advantage, and in round seven, a short right hand to the temple dropped Trinidad to his knees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/box/blog/box_experts/post/Trinidad-Jones-round-by-round?urn=box,62593|title=Trinidad-Jones round-by-round|work=Yahoo Sports}}</ref> Jones fired a combination in the tenth round to send Trinidad down once more.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/01202008/sports/roy_wonder_273099.htm | work=New York Post | first=George | last=Willis | title=Roy Wonder | date=2008-01-20 | access-date=December 10, 2008 | archive-date=December 25, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225083745/http://www.nypost.com/seven/01202008/sports/roy_wonder_273099.htm | url-status=dead }}</ref> Jones won the fight by scores of 117–109 and 116–110 (twice).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2008/0119_trinidad_jones/news/instant_update.html|title=HBO: Boxing: Felix Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.|work=HBO}}</ref> This was the first time a former heavyweight champion returned to fight successfully at 170&nbsp;lbs. The fight generated 500,000 pay-per-view buys and $25 million in domestic television revenue. This was also the last fight of Trinidad's career.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/sports/othersports/20boxing.html|title=Jones Knocks Down Trinidad Twice on Way to Victory|last=Eligon|first=John|date=2008-01-20|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=2017-02-09|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=boxing&id=3205096|title=Roy Jones wins one-sided decision over Felix Trinidad|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Calzaghe====
{{Main|Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
After [[Joe Calzaghe]]'s split from promoter [[Frank Warren (promoter)|Frank Warren]], it was officially announced that Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe had reached an agreement to fight for ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' Light Heavyweight Championship in New York City at Madison Square Garden on September 20, 2008, on [[HBO|HBO PPV]]. However, Calzaghe claimed injury to his right hand in training, so the fight had to be postponed a couple of weeks, with November 8 being set as the new date.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3500129|title=Calzaghe injures right wrist, calls off Jones fight|date=2008-07-22|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

In the first round, Jones caught Calzaghe with an uppercut and knocked him down, as well as cutting the Welshman on the bridge of the nose. However, Jones failed to capitalize on the knock down. In the 2nd round Calzaghe began to control the action and dominated Jones throughout the remainder of the fight. As the fight progressed Jones absorbed more and more punishment and suffered a cut over his left eye. Jones' corner, who had never seen Roy cut before, didn't know how to properly handle the situation and blood covered the left side of his face. Ultimately, Jones lost by unanimous decision, winning only one round (10–8 in the first) on the 3 official judges' cards. There was a crowd of 14,152. The fight generated 225,000 pay-per-view buys.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3691077|title=Calzaghe pummels Jones in unanimous decision|date=2008-11-09|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/nov/09/boxing-joecalzaghe|title=Boxing: Joe Calzaghe v Roy Jones Jr - as it happened|last=Roughley|first=Gregg|date=2008-11-09|work=The Guardian|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/4475038/calzaghe-does-it-again|title=Calzaghe does it again|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en}}</ref> It was reported that Calzaghe was paid $10 million from the fight. The fight aired in the UK on [[Setanta Sports]] after 4:30&nbsp;am local time, peaking at 500,000 viewers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/joe-calzaghe-earned-10m-jones-2140164|title=Joe Calzaghe earned $10m from Jones fight|last=WalesOnline|date=2008-11-16|website=walesonline|access-date=2019-05-07}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Sheika====
It was announced that Jones would next fight [[Omar Sheika]] (27–8, 18 KOs) on March 21, 2009, at the Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2009/1/19/728032/roy-jones-likely-to-fight+&cd=14&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk|title=Roy Jones likely to fight Omar Sheika on March 21|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref> Jones defeated Sheika via fifth-round [[technical knockout]] to claim the vacant [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] [[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[light heavyweight]] title.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2009/01/roy-jones-jr-vs-sheika-on-march-21st/|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Omar Sheika On March 21st » Boxing News|date=2009-01-19|work=Boxing News 24|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-US}}</ref> The fight was the main event of a pay-per-view titled "''March Badness''", which included both boxing and mixed martial arts matches. Sheika had previously defeated Glen Johnson, who had knocked out Jones in 2004 and came into this fight having lost six of his last ten bouts. It was only his second fight since September 2005. Jones came in ranked as the #6 light heavyweight in the world by [[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'']]''.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4004969|title=Jones stops Sheika in five one-sided rounds|date=2009-03-22|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

==== Jones vs. Lacy ====
[[File:Champion Roy Jones Jr. (cropped).jpg|thumb|Jones celebrating his victory over [[Jeff Lacy|Lacy]], 2009]]
On August 15, 2009, Jones beat former super middleweight champion [[Jeff Lacy]] (25–2, 17 KOs) in 10 rounds after Lacy's corner stopped the fight. The fight, billed as "''Hook City''", going off the boxers' nicknames of '<nowiki/>''Captain Hook''<nowiki/>' and '''Left Hook''<nowiki/>', took place at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/182168-roy-jones-jr-vs-jeff-lacy-loser-leaves-town|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Jeff Lacy: Loser Leaves Town|last=Trafford|first=Bryan|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-US}}</ref> Lacy had never been knocked out or stopped before. Lacy had tried to pin Jones on the ropes throughout the fight, but Jones was unaffected by the tactic and seemed more worried about playing to the crowd than about Lacy's punches. There was a discussion in Lacy's corner after the ninth round about stopping it, but Lacy, convinced his team to give him another round. Jones landed 249 of 500 punches (50%) while Lacy connected on 104 of 429 (24%). Jones was ahead on all three judges' scorecards at the time of stoppage (99–91, 100–89, 98–92).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4402151|title=Jones cuts through Lacy in 10 rounds|date=2009-08-16|website=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/16/roy-jones-jeff-lacy-boxing|title=Roy Jones Jr sees off Jeff Lacy to retain light heavyweighttitle|date=2009-08-16|work=The Guardian|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

===Consecutive defeats===

====Jones vs. Green====
{{Main|Danny Green vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}In December 2009, Roy Jones was set to face Australian boxer [[Danny Green (boxer)|Danny Green]] in [[Sydney, Australia]]. In the weeks leading up to this fight, there were reports in the newspapers indicating difficulties getting Roy's sparring partners into Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/roy-jones-loses-his-posse/story-e6frexni-1225802791964 |title=Oops! Roy Jones Jnr loses his posse |author=James Phelps |website=Dailytelegraph.com.au |access-date=2016-04-16}}</ref> Then on December 2, 2009, following an extensive pre-fight delay due to hand wrap protests, Danny Green defeated Jones via first-round TKO. Jones was initially gracious in his humbling defeat, stating that "We don't make excuses, it was a great performance by Danny."<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-12-02/green-stops-jones-jr-in-first-round/1167186 Green stops Jones Jr in first round], ABC article, 2009-12-03, Retrieved on 2014-03-15</ref> However, less than a month later, Jones would launch a formal complaint, accusing Green of using illegal hand wraps and demanding his loss be overturned, though the decision was upheld.<ref>[http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/jones-lodges-formal-complaint-against-danny-green-20091226-lfe3.html Jones lodges formal complaint against Danny Green], WA Today article, 2009-12-25, Retrieved on 2014-03-15</ref> Though Jones' rematch with Hopkins looked to be in trouble following Jones' loss, the two sides would officially come to an agreement in February 2010 for an April 3 bout.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4878372 Jones, Hopkins to face off April 3], ESPN article, 2010-02-01, Retrieved on 2014-03-15</ref>

====Jones vs. Hopkins II====
{{Main|Bernard Hopkins vs. Roy Jones Jr. II}}
Roy Jones Jr. and [[Bernard Hopkins]] (50–5–1, 32 KOs) met in a rematch bout, on April 3, 2010, at the [[Mandalay Bay|Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino]] in Las Vegas, 17 years after their first fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com/boxing/story/bernard-hopkins-roy-jones-jr-set-for-rematch-12903231-020210|title=Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr. set for rematch|date=2010-02-02|work=FOX Sports|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-US}}</ref> Jones entered with a record of 5–5 in his previous ten bouts dating back to May 2004 whilst Hopkins came in 4–1 since June 2006. After going the distance, Hopkins was awarded with a unanimous decision (118–109, 117–110 twice). Hopkins landed 184 of 526 punches (35%), while Jones connected on 82 of 274 (30%). Hopkins collapsed to his knees in his dressing room, drained from a brutal fight and exhausted by the end of his 17-year wait for revenge against Jones. The fight generated 150,000 pay-per-view buys.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/apr/04/bernard-hopkins-roy-jones-jr|title=Bernard Hopkins claims points win – and revenge – over Roy Jones Jr|agency=Associated Press|date=2010-04-04|work=The Guardian|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Lebedev====
In February 2011, Vladimir Hryunov confirmed that negotiations were taking place for [[Denis Lebedev]] (21–1, 16 KOs) to fight Jones in Moscow. Lebedev had just come off a controversial split decision loss to [[Marco Huck]]. At the time, Lebedev was ranked #4 at [[Cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] by [[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'']].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-lebedev-negotiations-confirmed-by-hryunov--36385|title=Roy Jones-Lebedev Negotiations Confirmed By Hryunov|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref> On 24 March, a deal had been agreed which would see Jones earn a $500,000 purse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-denis-lebedev-deal-reached-syllakh-news--37391|title=Roy Jones-Denis Lebedev Deal Reached, Syllakh News|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref> The fight, a 10-round bout, which was billed as the "Battle of Two Empires" was announced to take place on May 22 at [[Dynamo Sports Palace|Dynamo Palace of Sports]] in [[Krylatskoye District|Krylatskoye]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-lebedev-goes-dynamo-arena-krylatskoe--37412|title=Roy Jones-Lebedev Goes To Dynamo Arena in Krylatskoe|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref> 2,000 tickets were reportedly sold on the day of release. The promoters expected a sellout.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-vs-denis-lebedev-tickets-selling-fast--38105|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs Denis Lebedev Tickets Are Selling Fast|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref>

Lebedev knocked Jones out with 2 seconds left in their 10-round bout. After round 9, the scorecards read (87–84, 85–86, 90–81). The controversy arose when Lebedev punched Jones, when it was, to some, clear that Jones was not responsive and was out on his feet. The final punch put Jones out cold on the canvas and he did not regain his senses for more than 5 minutes amid active medical help.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} After the bout, Lebedev said that he had nothing to be sorry about.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lenta.ru/articles/2011/10/09/lebedev/|title=Спорт: Тренировочный день|publisher=Lenta.ru|access-date=2014-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/denis-lebedev-with-brutal-ko-roy-jones-tenth--39425|title=Denis Lebedev With Brutal KO of Roy Jones in The Tenth|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-denis-lebedev-with-crushing-ko-roy-jones-jr--39430|title=Photos: Denis Lebedev With Crushing KO of Roy Jones Jr.|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref> Referee Steve Smoger was also accused of incompetence because he did not stop the fight even though Jones could no longer defend himself which led to Jones taking unnecessary damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2011/05/23/smoger/|title=Спорт: Рефери рассказал о нокауте Роя Джонса|publisher=Lenta.ru|access-date=2014-04-26}}</ref> In a statement following the fight, Smoger said, "I didn't stop the fight because there were only a matter of seconds remaining in the fight and it seemed that Roy was pretending, trying to trick his opponent. He did this repeatedly in the fight. So I thought Jones was doing the same thing here, trying to deceive Lebedev in the final seconds of the fight in order to lure Denis in to land a big punch [which Jones managed to do in the previous round]."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/smoger-explains-why-he-let-lebedev-crack-roy-jones--39470|title=Smoger Explains Why He Let Lebedev Crack Roy Jones|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-01|language=en-us}}</ref> Jones, when asked about his feelings on the punch responded, "I forgive him".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lenta.ru/news/2011/05/24/punch/|title=Спорт: Рой Джонс простил Лебедеву последний удар|publisher=Lenta.ru|access-date=2014-04-26}}</ref>

===Cruiserweight===
====Jones vs. Alexander====
Jones won a 10-round unanimous decision against [[Max Alexander (boxer)|Max Alexander]] on December 10, 2011, in Atlanta, snapping a three-match losing streak, and winning the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Intercontinental [[Cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] championship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/venue-named-roy-jones-max-alexander-12-10-clash--45072|title=Venue Named For Roy Jones-Max Alexander 12/10 Clash|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-alexander-gets-kod-first-time-he-slips-up--46492|title=Roy Jones: Alexander Gets KO'd The First Time He Slips Up|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> The three judges scored the bout all in Jones' favour (100–90, 100–90 & 99–91). Jones rarely pressed over the first seven rounds but put together several combinations in the eighth and 10th rounds to beat Alexander. After the fight, Jones said, "I'm feeling wonderful. I want a cruiserweight title, the world title", said Jones, who weighed in at 189 pounds. "This is just a start. I'm not through yet."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-decisions-max-alexander-over-ten-rounds--47128|title=Roy Jones Jr. Decisions Max Alexander Over Ten Rounds|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> The fight was aired live on Internet PPV channel [[Ustream]] for $9.99.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-max-alexander-ppv-land-on-ustream--45987|title=Roy Jones Jr.-Max Alexander PPV To Land on Ustream|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Głażewski====
Jones was due to fight Polish boxer [[Dawid Kostecki]] (39–1, 25 KOs) in a ten-round bout at [[Atlas Arena]], Poland on June 30.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-dawid-kostecki-heading-june-30th--53120|title=Roy Jones Jr.-Dawid Kostecki is Heading To June 30th|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> Days before the fight, Kostecki was arrested on June 19 in order to begin serving a {{frac|2|1|2}}-year prison sentence for a prior conviction of running a prostitution ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-i-care-who-i-fight-even-andrew-golota--54381|title=Roy Jones: I Don't Care Who I Fight, Even Andrew Golota!|website=Boxingscene.com|date=June 26, 2012 |access-date=2015-04-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/kostecki-sentenced-out-roy-jones-fight-glazewski--54175|title=Kostecki Sentenced, out of Roy Jones Fight; Glazewski In?|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> Jones negotiated his deal with 12 Knockout Promotions, the fight's promoter, he was assured that Kostecki would not start serving his sentence until after the fight. 12 Knockout Promotions tried to secure a temporary release for Kostecki but were unsuccessful. [[Paweł Głażewski]] (17–0, 4 KOs), who was on standby all week, stepped in as a replacement. Jones defeated Głażewski by split decision (96–93, 94–95 & 96–94).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-dropped-edges-glazewski-tough-win--54517|title=Roy Jones Jr. Dropped, Edges Glazewski in Tough Win|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> There was some controversy from the decision. Many believed due to Jones being lined up to challenge then-WBC cruiserweight champion [[Krzysztof Włodarczyk]], he was given the decision.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/jones-line-title-shot-open-glazewski-rematch--54525|title=Jones In Line For Title Shot, Open To Glazewski Rematch|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Benmakhlouf====
On December 21, 2013, Jones defeated Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf (17–3–1, 8 KOs) by unanimous decision for the vacant [[World Boxing Union|WBU]] cruiserweight title at the [[Krylatskoye Sports Palace|Dynamo Palace of Sports in Krylatskoye]] in Moscow, Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-faces-benmakhlouf-on-dec-21-moscow--72327|title=Roy Jones Jr. Faces Benmakhlouf on Dec. 21 in Moscow|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> The fight was billed as a "''Winner Takes All''" match, with the winner receiving the entire purse.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-vs-benmakhlouf-winner-takes-all--72481|title=Roy Jones vs. Benmakhlouf Will Be "Winner Takes All"|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> Benmakhlouf took a knee after Jones wobbled him with a left hook early in the third round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:1849352|title=Roy Jones Jr. def. Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf via UD|website=boxrec.com|access-date=2016-06-19}}</ref> The judges scored the bout 120–108, 119–109 and 118–111.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2013/12/roy-jones-jr-defeats-zine-eddine-benmakhlouf/|title=Roy Jones Jr. defeats Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf|work=Boxing News 24|date=December 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-decisions-benmakhlouf-winner-takes-all--72964|title=Roy Jones Jr. Decisions Benmakhlouf - Winner Takes All|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref>

====Miscellaneous fights====
Jones, fighting at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre in Latvia, defeated [[Courtney Fry]] (18–5–0) via RTD in the 5th round on July 26, 2014. Jones was ahead on all three judges scorecards by the end of the fourth round, (50–44, 50–44 & 50–45).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-stops-courtney-fry-five-rounds--80351|title=Roy Jones Stops Courtney Fry in Five Rounds|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> On September 26, 2014, Jones defeated [[Hany Atiyo]] via 1st-round KO after 75 seconds. This fight took place in front of a sold-out crowd at The Basket Hall in [[Krasnodar|Krasnodar, Russia]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-battles-hani-atiyo-on-sep-26-krasnodar--81618|title=Roy Jones Jr. Battles Hani Atiyo on Sep. 26 in Krasnodar|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-event-krasnodar-russia-sold-out--82502|title=Roy Jones Jr. Event in Krasnodar, Russia is Sold Out|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> This was a second straight stoppage and fifth consecutive victory for Jones.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-destroys-hany-atiyo-one-round--82563|title=Roy Jones Jr. Destroys Hany Atiyo in One Round|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> The fight was said to be unsanctioned by the Professional Boxing Federation of Russia and the Egyptian Professional Boxing Association. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman condemned the fight and intended to discuss the matter with boxing federations. However, it was reportedly sanctioned by the Interregional Professional Boxing Federation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Jones Jr.-Hani Atiyo Scandal, Fight Was Unsanctioned? |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/roy-jones-jr-hani-atiyo-scandal-fight-unsanctioned |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}</ref> Jones' next bout, for the first time 4 years, took place in USA at the [[Cabarrus Arena]] in [[Concord, North Carolina]], and ultimately saw him defeat Willy Williams via 2nd-round TKO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-wins-club-fight-eyes-huck-title-shot--88208|title=Roy Jones Jr. Wins In Club Fight, Eyes Huck Title Shot|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> Near the end of the same month on March 28, Jones was again back in the ring, this time against Paul Vasquez (10–6–1, 3 KOs), defeating him via 1st-round TKO for the WBU (German Version) cruiserweight title at the [[Pensacola Bay Center]] in Florida.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-picks-up-second-ko-win-less-month--89080|title=Roy Jones Picks Up Second KO Win In Less Than a Month|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-us}}</ref> On August 16, 2015, Jones scored his 62nd professional victory and 45th knockout win by defeating Eric Watkins via 6th-round KO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2549236-roy-jones-jr-vs-eric-watkins-winner-scorecard-and-reaction|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Eric Watkins: Winner, Scorecard and Reaction|last=Polacek|first=Scott|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2018-01-02|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2015/8/17/9164109/video-roy-jones-jr-knocks-out-eric-watkins-has-two-more-fights-lined|title=Video: Roy Jones Jr scores KO win in Connecticut|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2018-01-02}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Maccarinelli====
[[File:Vladimir Putin with Roy Jones.jpg|thumb|250px|Jones with [[Vladimir Putin]], 2015]]
On October 28, 2015, it was announced that Jones would be fighting former [[WBO Cruiserweight Champion|WBO cruiserweight champion]] [[Enzo Maccarinelli]], 35, who had a career record of 40 wins and 7 losses, for the WBA 'super' world cruiserweight title. However, this was a 'false rumour'. It was however announced that they would fight on December 12, 2015, in a non-title cruiserweight battle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/28/enzo-maccarinelli-fight-roy-jones-jr-moscow-december-boxing/|title=Enzo Maccarinelli to fight legendary Roy Jones Jr in December|work=the Guardian|date=October 28, 2015}}</ref> This was Jones' first fight since being granted Russian citizenship and he was going into it with eight straight victories, with the last five inside the distance.<ref name=Graham1>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/27/roy-jones-jr-officially-becomes-russian-citizen-with-moscow-passport-ceremony/|title=Roy Jones Jr officially becomes Russian citizen with Moscow passport ceremony|author=Bryan Armen Graham|work=the Guardian|date=October 27, 2015}}</ref> The fight took place at the [[VTB Ice Palace]] in Moscow.

After an evenly matched 3 rounds, the 4th round started more in Maccarinelli's favour. Halfway through the round, Maccarinelli dropped Jones with an uppercut. Jones beat the count and carried on for 10–12 seconds more with his gloves to his face, eating several more uppercuts. Against the ropes, he then absorbed a huge right hook which caused him to stiffen and fall face down on the canvas. Referee Ingo Barrabas waved off the fight in what was Jones' 9th career defeat, the 5th by KO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/14354583/enzo-maccarinelli-stuns-roy-jones-jr-fourth-round-knockout-moscow|title=Maccarinelli stuns Jones Jr with fourth-round KO|date=December 13, 2015|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Phillips====
On March 20, 2016, Jones fought in [[Phoenix, Arizona]], at the [[Celebrity Theatre]] against 33-year-old [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] fighter Vyron Phillips, who had won the right to fight him after having been selected through a vote on Facebook. Phillips, who fought in his first boxing match, was 5–3 in MMA bouts and 6–1 as an amateur boxer. Phillips would have received $100,000 if he had knocked Jones out, but was knocked down in the second round by Jones.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/21/roy-jones-jr-beats-fan-boxing |title=Roy Jones Jr returns to ring to beat fan by technical knockout in second round &#124; Sport |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=2016-03-21 |access-date=2016-04-16}}</ref> The referee then stopped the fight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:2056988|title=Roy Jones Jr KO's Vyron Phillips in an exhibition|website=boxrec.com|access-date=2016-06-19}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Moore====
Square Ring Promotions announced on July 29, Jones would return to his hometown, [[Pensacola Bay Center]] in [[Pensacola, Florida]], on August 13 against journeyman "Rockin'" Rodney Moore (17–11–2, 7 KOs) in a cruiserweight bout. The fight headlined the "Island Fights 38" card, an ongoing series that combines boxing matches and [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] bouts on the same show. Jones last fought in Pensacola in March 2015, when he knocked out Paul Vasquez in the first round. Moore did not fight between 2005 and 2012 and has lost nine consecutive fights, although only one of them came by knockout. That was a second-round stoppage to top cruiserweight contender [[Murat Gassiev]] 13 months ago.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/17169370/roy-jones-jr-fight-rodney-moore-aug-13-pensacola-florida|title=Jones Jr. back in action Aug. 13 against Moore|date=July 29, 2016|access-date=2016-07-29}}</ref> On fight night, in front of more than 5,000 fans in attendance, in a slow-paced affair, Jones won a one-sided 10 round unanimous decision with shutout scores of 100–90 on all three cards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/roy-jones-jr-shuts-rodney-moore-350573|title=Roy Jones Jr. shuts out Rodney Moore {{!}} Boxing News|date=2016-08-14|language=en-US|access-date=2016-08-14}}</ref>

It was noted that Jones incurred a tear in his right biceps in round five and fought the rest of the bout one handed and admitted after the bout the healing time required for his torn right biceps probably meant the end of his long career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-tears-right-bicep-admits-career-over--107701|title=Roy Jones Jr. Tears Right Bicep, Admits Career Could Be Over - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=August 14, 2016 |access-date=2016-08-15}}</ref> In October, Jones stated his intentions to continue fighting on and not retiring from the sport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-im-addicted-boxing-no-retirement-right-now--110026?|title=Roy Jones Jr: I'm Addicted To Boxing, No Retirement Right Now - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=October 23, 2016 |access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref>

====Jones vs. Gunn====
On December 2, 2016, David Feldman Promotions confirmed a fight between Jones and undefeated [[Bare-knuckle boxing|bare-knuckle]] fighter and former world title challenger [[Bobby Gunn]] would be announced for February 17, 2017, for the vacant [[World Boxing Foundation]] [[Cruiserweight (boxing)|Cruiserweight]] championship at a press conference on December 6 at the Chase Center in Delaware. At the time of announcement, Gunn was a former IBA cruiserweight champion and [[bare-knuckle boxing|bare-knuckle]] heavyweight champion, with a record of 72–0 with 72 knockouts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/roy-jones-vs-bobby-gunn-on-feb-17/65819|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs Bobby Gunn on 2/17|date=December 2, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016}}</ref> The fight was made official at the press conference on December 7. Jones spoke of his long-awaited desire to fight Gunn, "I always do things that people don't expect me to do. I promised Bobby a long time ago that I would give him the opportunity, and I am a man of my word. Come February 17th, I am going to shock the world again."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/photo-roy-jones-jr-bobby-gunn-face-off-kickoff-presser--111500|title=Photo: Roy Jones Jr., Bobby Gunn Face Off at Kickoff Presser - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=December 7, 2016 |access-date=2016-12-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.com/roy-jones-jr-v-bobby-gunn-kick-off-press-conference-round-up/|title=Roy Jones Jr. v Bobby Gunn kick-off press conference round-up|last=Abrams|first=Marc|website=WBN - World Boxing News|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=2016-12-07}}</ref> At the official weigh-in Jones came in 199 pounds and Gunn weighed in lighter at 197.4 pounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/photo-roy-jones-jr-bobby-gunn-make-weight-ready-war--113690|title=Photo: Roy Jones Jr., Bobby Gunn Make Weight, Ready For War - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=February 16, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref> In a slow-paced fight, Jones stopped Gunn in the beginning of the 8th round, before Gunn had even left his corner, to win the vacant World Boxing Foundation cruiserweight title. Gunn injured his nose and was out boxed by Jones throughout seven rounds. In the post fight, Jones and Gunn both embraced.

Jones spoke about his desire to continue his boxing career further, "Anything is possible, I'm not going to make an immediate decision. Why would I stop when I looked that good though?... I want a shot at a cruiserweight title ... I do intend on fighting and we'll see what happens in the future. I looked good."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ringtv.com/485351-roy-jones-jr-stops-bobby-gunn-eight-wants-continue-fighting/|title=Roy Jones Jr. stops Bobby Gunn in eight, wants to continue fighting - The Ring|date=2017-02-18|newspaper=The Ring|access-date=2017-02-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-dominates-punishes-stops-bobby-gunn--113725|title=Roy Jones Jr. Dominates, Punishes and Stops Bobby Gunn - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=February 17, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Jones later told On The Ropes Boxing Radio, "Yeah I think it's my last year in boxing, and I tell people all the time." Hinting he may retire at the end of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-eyes-retirement-i-think-its-my-last-year-boxing--113736|title=Roy Jones Eyes Retirement: I Think It's My Last Year in Boxing - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=February 18, 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> On December 3, 2017, after [[Miguel Cotto]]'s farewell fight re-iterated his desire to continue boxing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-no-retirement-ill-coffin-throwing-punches--123058|title=Roy Jones: No Retirement, I'll Be in The Coffin Throwing Punches!|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2017-12-04|language=en-us}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===

==== Jones vs. Sigmon ====
On December 30, 2017, Jones announced that he would return to the [[Pensacola Bay Center|Bay Center]] in Pensacola, Florida to headline the Island Fights 46 on February 8, 2018. Jones had previously headlined Island Fights, which is a show that included both boxing and MMA bouts. Speaking of the event, Jones said, "My last day at the Bay. It's my last one for the bayfront ... Civic Center, Pensacola, Bayfront Arena, whatever you want to call it. So if you want to come to see my last day in Pensacola, be there February 8. That's my last one there." He stated it would be his final fight.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-announces-february-8-return-this-my-final-fight--123857|title=Roy Jones Jr. Announces February 8 Return: This is My Final Fight!|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2017-12-30|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fightnews.com/roy-jones-jr-announces-farewell-fight/11274|title=Roy Jones Jr. announces farewell fight|date=2017-12-30|work=fightnews.com|access-date=2017-12-30|language=en-US}}</ref> Jones announced Scott Sigmon (30–11–1, 16 KOs) as his opponent for the 10 round bout.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-jr-vs-scott-sigmon-february-8--124463|title=Roy Jones Jr. vs. Scott Sigmon is Finalized For February 8|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-01-20|language=en-us}}</ref> Jones ended his boxing career defeating Sigmon via a one-sided 10 round unanimous decision, also winning the vacant [[World Boxing Union]] cruiserweight title in the process. All three judges scored the fight 98–92 in favour of Jones.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/roy-jones-ends-career-win-sigmon-results--125086|title=Roy Jones Jr. Ends His Career With Decision Win Over Sigmon|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://uk.ufc.com/news/Roy-Jones-Jr-wins-final-boxing-match-on-UFC-FIGHT-PASS|title=Jones Jr. wins final boxing match on UFC FIGHT PASS|work=UFC|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en}}</ref> Jones started off the better boxer landed upper cuts and hooks and remained in control throughout the fight. Jones landed an uppercut in round 5 which knocked Sigmon's mouthpiece out. In round 6, Sigmon began throwing more punches, although they were weak combinations easily blocked by Jones. Jones was also able to counter most of the shots Sigmon threw.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ringtv.com/528244-roy-jones-jr-shines-farewell-fight-outpoints-scott-sigmon/|title=Roy Jones Jr. shines in his farewell fight, outpoints Scott Sigmon - The Ring|date=2018-02-09|work=The Ring|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/22374710/roy-jones-jr-final-bout-career-beats-scott-sigmon|title=Jones gets win in final bout of storied career|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2018-02-09}}</ref>

After the fight, Jones stated he had fought with a bicep injury. He also called for a boxing match against 42-year-old former UFC middleweight champion [[Anderson Silva]]. In the post-fight interview, he said, "I knew Scott was tough, I knew Scott was game and I knew Scott would keep coming. However, I don't make excuses, but last week I tore my biceps in my left arm again and I refused to pull out. Other than that [fight], chapter closed." Jones retired after 75 professional fights over 29 years; 66 wins, 47 coming inside the distance and 9 losses.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11242133/roy-jones-jr-ends-career-with-win-over-scott-sigmon|title=Roy Jones Jr ends career with win over Scott Sigmon|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2018-02-09|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/43001739|title=Roy Jones Jr retires but leaves door ajar for Anderson Silva bout|date=2018-02-09|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Return in 2023 ===

==== Jones vs. Pettis ====
{{Main|Roy Jones Jr. vs. Anthony Pettis}}
[[Jorge Masvidal]] announced that Jones would face former [[UFC]] and [[WEC Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Champion]] [[Anthony Pettis]] (25–14 MMA) on April 1, 2023 at the [[Fiserv Forum]] in [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]], the hometown of Pettis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-06 |title=Anthony Pettis vs. Roy Jones Jr., Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens headline Gamebred Boxing 4 on April 1 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/02/boxing-news-anthony-pettis-vs-roy-jones-jr-jose-aldo-vs-jeremy-stephens-headline-gamebred-boxing-4-april-1 |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Alexander K. |date=2023-02-06 |title=Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing 4 event on April 1 headlined by Anthony Pettis vs. Roy Jones Jr., also features Jose Aldo, Vitor Belfort |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/2/6/23587588/jorge-masvidal-gamebred-boxing-april-1-headlined-anthony-pettis-roy-jones-jr-jose-aldo-vitor-belfort |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=MMA Fighting: UFC, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) News, Results |language=en-US}}</ref> The fight headlined a PPV card and included many high profile MMA fighters, all competing in boxing matches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roy Jones Jr. To Face Former UFC Champ Anthony Pettis In Boxing Match On April 1 |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/roy-jones-jr-face-former-ufc-champ-anthony-pettis-boxing-match-on-april-1 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=www.boxingscene.com |language=en}}</ref> Jones lost via majority decision after eight-rounds, with scores of 76-76, 77-75, and 78-74.<ref>{{Cite web |last=April 2023 |first=Anish Parekh on 2nd |date=2023-04-02 |title=Former UFC world champion Anthony Pettis defeated Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr |url=https://britishboxingnews.co.uk/blogs/former-ufc-world-champion-anthony-pettis-defeated-boxing-hall-of-famer-roy-jones-jr/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=britishboxingnews.co.uk |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-02 |title=Anthony Pettis Earns Majority Decision Over Boxing Legend Roy Jones Jr. - Gamebred Boxing 4 Highlights |url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/anthony-pettis-vs-roy-jones-jr/ |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=www.lowkickmma.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Exhibition bout==

{{main|Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
It was announced in July 2020 that Jones had signed a contract to face former [[List of undisputed world boxing champions#Heavyweight|undisputed heavyweight champion]], [[Mike Tyson]], in an eight-round [[exhibition fight]]. The bout—officially sanctioned by the [[California State Athletic Commission]] (CSAC)—was initially scheduled to take place on September 12 at the [[Dignity Health Sports Park]] in [[Carson, California]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kim|first=Steve|date=July 23, 2020|title=Tyson-Jones Jr. exhibition match set for Sept. 12|url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/29524301/mike-tyson-face-roy-jones-jr-september-exhibition-match|access-date=August 12, 2020|website=[[ESPN]]|language=en}}</ref> however, the date was pushed back to November 28 in order to maximize revenue for the event. The fight lasted the full 8 rounds, and was declared a draw.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brookhouse|first=Brent|date=August 11, 2020|title=Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. exhibition fight delayed to Nov. 28, new undercard bouts announced|url=https://www.cbssports.com/boxing/news/mike-tyson-vs-roy-jones-jr-exhibition-fight-delayed-to-nov-28-new-undercard-bouts-announced/amp/|access-date=August 12, 2020|website=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> Jones was later sued by his Marketing Manager, Mercedes Ganon, for breach of contract and failure to pay her a 10% commission for the fight that she negotiated, according to legal documents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naumann |first=Ryan |date=2021-09-13 |title=Boxer Roy Jones Jr. Sued For $350,000 Over 2020 Mike Tyson Fight |url=https://radaronline.com/p/roy-jones-jr-sued-350000-mike-tyson-fight/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=RadarOnline |language=en-US}}</ref> 

==Personal life==
Jones was born in [[Pensacola, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotboxingnews.com/biography/biojonesjr.htm |title=Boxer Profile Biography |access-date=October 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723003031/http://www.hotboxingnews.com/biography/biojonesjr.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2009 }}</ref> His mother, Carol, was warm and easy-going, whereas his father, Roy Sr., was much like a Marine Drill Instructor with respect to his son. A decorated Vietnam veteran, ex-club fighter and retired aircraft engineer who had taken up hog farming, Roy Sr. was harsh on his son from early on, taunting the child, "sparring" with him, enraging him, yelling at him and abusing him, often for 20 minutes at a time. Roy Jr. lived in constant fear of his father's verbal and physical violence against him.<ref name=SI_1995>{{cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Gary |date=1995-06-26 |title=One Tough Bird Roy Jones Jr., The Best Boxer Pound For Pound, Was Raised Under The Rules Of Cockfighting: Win Or Die |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1995/06/26/204194/one-tough-bird-roy-jones-jr-the-best-boxer-pound-for-pound-was-raised-under-the-rules-of-cockfighting-win-or-die# |magazine=Sports Illustrated |location= New York|publisher= Time Inc.|access-date= 2015-04-05}}</ref>

Jones described his childhood in ''Sports Illustrated'': "After a while I didn't care about gettin' hurt or dyin' anymore. I was in pain all day, every day, I was so scared of my father. He'd pull up in his truck and start lookin' for something I'd done wrong. There was no escape, no excuse, no way out of nothin'. ... Getting' hurt or dyin' might've been better than the life I was livin'. ... Used to think about killin' myself anyway."<ref name="SI_1995" />

Roy Sr. ran his own boxing gym, to which he devoted all his available time and financial resources. He offered direction to numerous youths and steered many of them away from trouble. Roy Sr. did everything possible to expand the program and help more kids. But toward his own son he was merciless, driving Roy Jr. to the brink of exhaustion, screaming at him in front of all the other fighters and assaulting him."<ref name="SI_1995" />

Using his birds as an image for his own predicament, Jones said in the same ''Sports Illustrated'' piece: "I spent all my life in my dad's cage. I could never be 100 percent of who I am until I left it. But because of him, nothing bothers me. I'll never face anything stronger and harder than what I already have."<ref name="SI_1995" />

On August 19, 2015, Roy Jones Jr. met with [[Vladimir Putin]] in [[Sevastopol]], [[Crimea]], to ask for Russian citizenship. Jones stated that he often visited Russia for business activity, and a passport would avoid inconvenient rides.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/50157|title=Meeting with Roy Jones|publisher=Kremlin.ru|date=August 19, 2015|access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref> Jones was granted Russian citizenship on September 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kremlin.ru/acts/news/50271|script-title=ru:Подписан Указ о приёме в гражданство Российской Федерации|publisher=Kremlin.ru|date=September 12, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015|language=ru}}</ref> He was banned from entering [[Ukraine]] after arriving to Russian-occupied [[Crimea]] from Russia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mirovalev |first=Mansur |title=The Ukrainian website shaming pro-Russia voices |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/8/27/peacemaker-the-ukrainian-website-shaming-pro-russia-voices |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>[http://www.unian.info/society/1608241-sbu-issues-entry-ban-against-140-russian-artists.html SBU issues entry ban against 140 Russian artists], [[UNIAN]] (5 November 2016)<br />[http://tass.com/world/910576 Ukraine's State Security Service bans 140 Russian cultural figures from entering country], [[TASS news agency]] (5 November 2016)</ref>

Jones and his wife have three children. Their eldest son, Roy III, played basketball at Findlay Prep in [[Henderson, Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rapidito |title= Roy Jones III transfers to Findlay Prep |url=https://usatodayhss.com/2017/roy-jones-iii-son-of-boxing-legend-transfers-to-findlay-prep |access-date=October 18, 2019 | date=January 17, 2020}}</ref> On June 24, 2024, Jones announced his son Deandre had committed suicide at age 32 two nights prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Roy |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Roy Jones Jr announces suicide of son Deandre over X (formerly Twitter) <!-- https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQ3XOoNXcAAAQb2?format=jpg&name=orig --> |url=https://x.com/RealRoyJonesJr/status/1805335679641207124}}</ref> His cousin, [[RJ Harvey]], is a professional [[American football|football]] [[running back]] who plays for the [[Denver Broncos]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Luca |date=2025-05-04 |title=RJ Harvey, cousin of legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr., aims to be Broncos’ ‘Mr. Unstoppable’ |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2025/05/04/rj-harvey-broncos-draft-roy-jones-jr/ |access-date=2025-06-25 |website=The Denver Post |language=}}</ref>

== Professional boxing record ==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|ko-wins=47
|ko-losses=5
|dec-wins=19
|dec-losses=4
|dq-losses=1
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Age
!Location
!Notes
|-
|76
|{{no2}}Loss
|66–10
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Anthony Pettis]]
|MD
|8
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Anthony Pettis|Apr 1, 2023]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2023|4|1}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Fiserv Forum]], [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|
|-
|75
|{{yes2}}Win
|66–9
|style="text-align:left;"| Scott Sigmon
|UD
|10
|Feb 8, 2018
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2018|2|8}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bay Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBU (German version) cruiserweight title}}
|-
|74
|{{yes2}}Win
|65–9
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Bobby Gunn]]
|TKO
|8 (12), {{small|0:07}}
|Feb 17, 2017
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2017|2|17}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Chase Center, [[Wilmington, Delaware]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBF (Foundation) cruiserweight title}}
|-
|73
|{{yes2}}Win
|64–9
|style="text-align:left;"| Rodney Moore
|UD
|10
|Aug 13, 2016
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2016|8|13}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bay Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|72
|{{yes2}}Win
|63–9
|style="text-align:left;"| Vyron Phillips
|TKO
|2 (6), {{small|2:30}}
|Mar 20, 2016
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2016|3|20}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Celebrity Theatre]], [[Phoenix, Arizona]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|71
|{{no2}}Loss
|62–9
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Enzo Maccarinelli]]
|KO
|4 (10), {{small|1:59}}
|Dec 12, 2015
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2015|12|12}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[VTB Ice Palace]], Moscow, Russia}}
|
|-
|70
|{{yes2}}Win
|62–8
|style="text-align:left;"| Eric Watkins
|KO
|6 (10), {{small|2:59}}
|Aug 16, 2015
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2015|8|16}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.}}
|
|-
|69
|{{yes2}}Win
|61–8
|style="text-align:left;"| Paul Vasquez
|TKO
|1 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Mar 28, 2015
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2015|3|28}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Pensacola Bay Center|Bay Center]], Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU (German version) cruiserweight title}}
|-
|68
|{{yes2}}Win
|60–8
|style="text-align:left;"| Willie Williams
|TKO
|2 (10), {{small|2:38}}
|Mar 6, 2015
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2015|3|6}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Cabarrus Arena]], [[Concord, North Carolina]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|67
|{{yes2}}Win
|59–8
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Hany Atiyo]]
|KO
|1 (12), {{small|1:15}}
|Sep 26, 2014
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2014|9|26}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Basket-Hall Krasnodar|Basket-Hall]], [[Krasnodar]], Russia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU (German version) cruiserweight title}}
|-
|66
|{{yes2}}Win
|58–8
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Courtney Fry]]
|RTD
|5 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Jul 26, 2014
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2014|7|26}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre, [[Riga]], Latvia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU (German version) cruiserweight title}}
|-
|65
|{{yes2}}Win
|57–8
|style="text-align:left;"| Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf
|UD
|12
|Dec 21, 2013
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2013|12|21}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Krylatskoye Sports Palace, Moscow, Russia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[World Boxing Union|WBU]] (German version) cruiserweight title}}
|-
|64
|{{yes2}}Win
|56–8
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Paweł Głażewski]]
|SD
|10
|Jun 30, 2012
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2012|6|30}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Atlas Arena]], [[Łódź]], Poland}}
|
|-
|63
|{{yes2}}Win
|55–8
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Max Alexander (boxer)|Max Alexander]]
|UD
|10
|Dec 10, 2011
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2011|12|10}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Atlanta Civic Center|Civic Center]], [[Atlanta, Georgia]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant UBO Intercontinental cruiserweight title}}
|-
|62
|{{no2}}Loss
|54–8
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Denis Lebedev]]
|KO
|10 (10), {{small|2:58}}
|May 21, 2011
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2011|5|21}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Krylatskoye Sports Palace]], Moscow, Russia}}
|
|-
|61
|{{no2}}Loss
|54–7
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Bernard Hopkins]]
|UD
|12
|[[Bernard Hopkins vs. Roy Jones Jr. II|Apr 3, 2010]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2010|4|3}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|
|-
|60
|{{no2}}Loss
|54–6
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Danny Green (boxer)|Danny Green]]
|TKO
|1 (12), {{small|2:02}}
|[[Danny Green vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Dec 2, 2009]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2009|12|2}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Acer Arena]], [[Sydney]], Australia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[list of IBO world champions#Cruiserweight|IBO cruiserweight title]]}}
|-
|59
|{{yes2}}Win
|54–5
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Jeff Lacy]]
|RTD
|10 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Aug 15, 2009
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2009|8|15}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO–NABO light heavyweight title}}
|-
|58
|{{yes2}}Win
|53–5
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Omar Sheika]]
|TKO
|5 (12), {{small|1:45}}
|Mar 21, 2009
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2009|3|21}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBO–NABO light heavyweight title}}
|-
|57
|{{no2}}Loss
|52–5
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Joe Calzaghe]]
|UD
|12
|[[Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Nov 8, 2008]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2008|11|8}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For ''The Ring'' light heavyweight title}}
|-
|56
|{{yes2}}Win
|52–4
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Félix Trinidad]]
|UD
|12
|[[Félix Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Jan 19, 2008]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2008|1|19}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|
|-
|55
|{{yes2}}Win
|51–4
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Anthony Hanshaw]]
|UD
|12
|Jul 14, 2007
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2007|7|14}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[International Boxing Council|IBC]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|54
|{{yes2}}Win
|50–4
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Prince Badi Ajamu]]
|UD
|12
|Jul 29, 2006
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2006|7|29}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Qwest Arena]], [[Boise, Idaho]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]]–[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|53
|{{no2}}Loss
|49–4
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Antonio Tarver]]
|UD
|12
|[[Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III|Oct 1, 2005]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2005|10|1}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[St. Pete Times Forum]], Tampa, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For IBO and ''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|52
|{{No2}}Loss
|49–3
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Glen Johnson (boxer)|Glen Johnson]]
|KO
|9 (12), {{small|0:48}}
|[[Glen Johnson vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Sep 25, 2004]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2004|9|25}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[FedExForum]], [[Memphis, Tennessee]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For IBF light heavyweight title}}
|-
|51
|{{No2}}Loss
|49–2
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Antonio Tarver]]
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|1:41}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Antonio Tarver II|May 15, 2004]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2004|5|15}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBA (Unified), WBC, IBO, IBA and ''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles;<br>For vacant [[World Boxing Foundation|WBF (Foundation)]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|50
|{{yes2}}Win
|49–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Antonio Tarver]]
|{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}}
|12
|[[Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Nov 8, 2003]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2003|11|8}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Mandalay Bay Events Center]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBO and ''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles;<br>Won WBC and vacant WBA (Unified) light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|49
|{{yes2}}Win
|48–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[John Ruiz]]
|UD
|12
|[[John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Mar 1, 2003]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2003|3|1}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Thomas & Mack Center]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|WBA heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|48
|{{yes2}}Win
|47–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Clinton Woods]]
|TKO
|6 (12), {{small|1:29}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Clinton Woods|Sep 7, 2002]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2002|9|7}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Rose Garden (Portland)|Rose Garden]], [[Portland, Oregon]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Unified)]], WBC, IBF, IBO, WBF (Federation), NBA, IBA and ''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|47
|{{yes2}}Win
|46–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Glen Kelly (boxer)|Glen Kelly]]
|KO
|7 (12), {{small|1:55}}
|Feb 2, 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2002|2|2}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[American Airlines Arena]], [[Miami]], Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, IBO, WBF (Federation), NBA, IBA and [[list of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|46
|{{yes2}}Win
|45–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Julio César González]]
|UD
|12
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Julio César González|Jul 28, 2001]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2001|7|28}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Staples Center]], [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, NBA and IBO light heavyweight titles;<br>Won vacant [[World Boxing Federation (organization)|WBF (Federation)]] and [[list of boxing organizations#All List|IBA]] light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|44–1
|style="text-align:left;"| Derrick Harmon
|RTD
|10 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Feb 24, 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2001|2|24}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Ice Palace, Tampa, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Super)]], WBC, IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles; Won vacant [[list of boxing organizations#All List|NBA]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|43–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Eric Harding]]
|RTD
|10 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Sep 9, 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2000|9|9}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[New Orleans Arena]], [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA, WBC, IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|43
|{{yes2}}Win
|42–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Richard Hall (boxer)|Richard Hall]]
|TKO
|11 (12), {{small|1:41}}
|May 13, 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2000|5|13}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Conseco Fieldhouse]], [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA, WBC, IBF and IBO light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|41–1
|style="text-align:left;"| David Telesco 
|UD
|12
|Jan 15, 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|2000|1|15}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Radio City Music Hall]], New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA, WBC, IBF and [[list of IBO world champions#Light heavyweight|IBO light heavyweight titles]]}}
|-
|41
|{{yes2}}Win
|40–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Reggie Johnson (boxer)|Reggie Johnson]]
|UD
|12
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Reggie Johnson|Jun 5, 1999]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1999|6|5}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Harrah's Gulf Coast|Grand Casino]], Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles;<br>Won [[list of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|39–1
|style="text-align:left;"| Richard Frazier
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|2:59}}
|Jan 9, 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1999|1|9}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|38–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Otis Grant]]
|TKO
|10 (12), {{small|1:18}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Otis Grant|Nov 14, 1998]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1998|11|14}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles}}
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Lou Del Valle]]
|UD
|12
|[[Lou Del Valle vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Jul 18, 1998]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1998|7|18}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA light heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Virgil Hill]]
|KO
|4 (12), {{small|1:10}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Virgil Hill|Apr 25, 1998]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1998|4|25}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Mississippi Coast Coliseum|Coast Coliseum]], [[Biloxi, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|36
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Montell Griffin]]
|KO
|1 (12), {{small|2:31}}
|[[Montell Griffin vs. Roy Jones Jr. II|Aug 7, 1997]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1997|8|7}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Foxwoods Resort Casino]], [[Ledyard, Connecticut]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBC light heavyweight title}}
|-
|35
|{{no2}}Loss
|34–1
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Montell Griffin]]
|{{abbr|DQ|Disqualification}}
|9 (12), {{small|2:27}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Montell Griffin|Mar 21, 1997]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1997|3|21}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost [[list of WBC world champions#Light heavyweight|WBC light heavyweight title]];<br>Jones disqualified for hitting Griffin after a knockdown}}
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Mike McCallum]]
|UD
|12
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Mike McCallum|Nov 22, 1996]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1996|11|22}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Ice Palace (Tampa)|Ice Palace]], [[Tampa, Florida]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBC [[interim championship|interim]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Bryant Brannon
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|2:23}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bryant Brannon|Oct 4, 1996]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1996|10|4}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Éric Lucas]]
|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}
|11 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Éric Lucas|Jun 15, 1996]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1996|6|15}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Jacksonville Coliseum|Coliseum]], [[Jacksonville, Florida]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Merqui Sosa
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|2:36}}
|Jan 12, 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1996|1|12}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Madison Square Garden]], New York City, New York, U.S.}}
|
|-
|30
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Tony Thornton]]
|TKO
|3 (12), {{small|0:45}}
|Sep 30, 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1995|9|30}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Vinny Pazienza]]
|TKO
|6 (12), {{small|2:58}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Vinny Pazienza|Jun 24, 1995]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1995|6|24}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Boardwalk Hall|Convention Hall]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|28
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Antoine Byrd
|TKO
|1 (12), {{small|2:06}}
|Mar 18, 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1995|3|18}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[James Toney]]
|UD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Nov 18, 1994]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1994|11|18}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of IBF world champions#Super middleweight|IBF super middleweight title]]}}
|-
|26
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Thomas Tate (boxer)|Thomas Tate]]
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|0:30}}
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Thomas Tate|May 27, 1994]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1994|5|27}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[MGM Grand Garden Arena]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|25
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Danny Garcia
|KO
|6 (10), {{small|2:59}}
|Mar 22, 1994
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1994|3|22}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[University of West Florida]], Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Fermin Chirino
|UD
|10
|Nov 30, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1993|11|30}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Thulani Malinga]]
|KO
|6 (10), {{small|1:57}}
|Aug 14, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1993|8|14}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast|Casino Magic]], [[Bay St. Louis, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Bernard Hopkins]]
|UD
|12
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bernard Hopkins|May 22, 1993]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1993|5|22}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium]], [[Washington, D.C.]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[list of IBF world champions#Middleweight|IBF middleweight title]]}}
|-
|21
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Glenn Wolfe
|TKO
|1 (10), {{small|2:23}}
|[[Iran Barkley vs. James Toney|Feb 13, 1993]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1993|2|13}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Caesars Palace]], [[Paradise, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Percy Harris
|TKO
|4 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Dec 5, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1992|12|5}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Etess Arena]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] Continental Americas [[super middleweight]] title}}
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Glenn Thomas
|TKO
|8 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|Aug 18, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1992|8|18}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Jorge Castro (boxer)|Jorge Castro]]
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|10
|Jun 30, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1992|6|30}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Art Serwano
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|1:40}}
|Apr 3, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1992|4|3}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Reno-Sparks Convention Center|Convention Center]], [[Reno, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–0
|style="text-align:left;"| [[Jorge Vaca]]
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|1:45}}
|[[Darrin Van Horn vs. Iran Barkley|Jan 10, 1992]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1992|1|10}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Paramount Theatre (New York City)|Paramount Theatre]], [[New York City, New York]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Lester Yarbrough
|KO
|9 (10)
|Aug 31, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1991|8|31}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Kevin Daigle
|TKO
|2 (10)
|Aug 3, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1991|8|3}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Eddie Evans
|TKO
|3 (10)
|Apr 13, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1991|4|13}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Ricky Stackhouse
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|0:46}}
|Jan 31, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1991|1|31}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Reggie Miller
|TKO
|5 (10)
|Nov 8, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|11|8}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Rollin Williams
|KO
|4 (10), {{small|2:56}}
|Sep 25, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|9|25}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Tony Waddles
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|2:02}}
|Jul 14, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|7|14}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Waddles was billed as Derwin Richards}}
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Ron Johnson
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|2:28}}
|May 11, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|5|11}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Knox Brown
|TKO
|3 (10), {{small|2:20}}
|Mar 28, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|3|28}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Billy Mitchem
|TKO
|2 (8), {{small|2:57}}
|Feb 28, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|2|28}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Joe Edens
|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}
|2 (8), {{small|2:05}}
|Jan 8, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1990|1|8}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|County Fairgrounds, [[Mobile, Alabama]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|style="text-align:left;"| David McCluskey
|TKO
|3 (8), {{small|2:00}}
|Nov 30, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1989|11|30}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Ron Amundsen
|TKO
|7 (8), {{small|2:43}}
|Sep 3, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1989|9|3}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Stephan Johnson
|TKO
|8 (8), {{small|2:04}}
|Jun 11, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1989|6|11}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino]], [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|style="text-align:left;"| Ricky Randall
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}
|2 (8), {{small|2:46}}
|May 6, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{age in years and days|1969|1|16|1989|5|6}}
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|[[Pensacola Bay Center|Civic Center]], [[Pensacola, Florida]], U.S.}}
|
|}

== Exhibition boxing record ==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=1
|nonscore=1
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|2
|{{draw}}Draw
|0–0–1 {{small|(1)}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Mike Tyson]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split draw}}
|8
|[[Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Nov 28, 2020]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Staples Center]], [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Scored by the [[World Boxing Council|WBC]]}}
|-
|1
|{{N/A}}
|0–0 {{small|(1)}}
|style="text-align:left;"|Dion Rizzuto
|{{N/A}}
|3
|Feb 7, 2019
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Hadji Shrine Temple, [[Pensacola, Florida]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Non-scored bout}}
|}

==Titles in boxing==
===Major world titles===
*[[List of IBF world champions#Middleweight|IBF middleweight champion]] (160&nbsp;lbs)
*[[List of IBF world champions#Super middleweight|IBF super middleweight champion]] (168&nbsp;lbs)
*[[list of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA (Regular, Unified, and Super) light heavyweight champion]] (2×){{Efn|Held these titles separately at varying points; At no point during his reigns was he a Secondary champion; Held the WBA (Unified) twice.|name=b}} (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[WBC Light Heavyweight Champion|WBC light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)  (3×)
*[[List of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[WBA Heavyweight Champion|WBA heavyweight champion]] (200+&nbsp;lbs)

===''The Ring'' magazine titles===
*[[List of The Ring world champions|''The Ring'' light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)

===Interim world titles===
*[[World Boxing Council|WBC]] [[Interim championship|interim]] light heavyweight champion (175&nbsp;lbs)

===Minor world titles===
*[[list of IBO world champions#Light heavyweight|IBO light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[list of boxing organizations#All List|IBA]] [[light heavyweight]] champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[list of boxing organizations#All List|IBC]] light heavyweight champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[World Boxing Federation|WBF]] light heavyweight champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[list of boxing organizations#All List|NBA]] light heavyweight champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
*[[list of boxing organizations#All List|WBF (Foundation)]] [[Cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] champion (200&nbsp;lbs)
*[[World Boxing Union|WBU (German)]] cruiserweight champion (200&nbsp;lbs) (3×)

===Regional/International titles===
*WBC Continental Americas [[super middleweight]] champion (168&nbsp;lbs)
*[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] light heavyweight champion (175&nbsp;lbs) ( 2×)
*UBO Intercontinental cruiserweight champion (200&nbsp;lbs)

===Undisputed titles===
* [[list of undisputed world boxing champions#Light heavyweight|Undisputed light heavyweight champion]]

===Honorary titles===
* [[WBC Emeritus|WBC Emeritus Champion]]
* [[World Boxing Council#Commemorative World Championship Belts|WBC Frontline Battle champion]]

==Pay-per-view bouts==
{| class="wikitable"
! No.
!Date
!Fight
!Billing
!Buys
|-
|align=center|1
|November 18, 1994
|'''Toney''' vs. '''Jones'''
|[[James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.|The Uncivil War]]
|{{center|300,000}}
|-
|align=center|2
|September 9, 2000
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Harding'''
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Eric Harding|Bourbon St Brawl]]
|{{center|140,000}}
|-
|align=center|3
|July 28, 2001
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Gonzalez'''
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Julio César González|Roy vs. Julio]]
|{{center|200,000}}
|-
|align=center|4
|March 1, 2003
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Ruiz'''
|[[John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Never take a Heavyweight Lightly]]
|{{center|602,000}}
|-
|align=center|5
|November 8, 2003
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Tarver'''
|[[Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Now It's Personal]]
|{{center|302,000}}
|-
|align=center|6
|May 15, 2004
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Tarver''' II
|[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Antonio Tarver II|More Than Personal]]
|{{center|384,000}}
|-
|align=center|7
|October 1, 2005
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Tarver''' III
|[[Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III|No Excuses]]
|{{center|440,000}}
|-
|align=center|8
|January 19, 2008
|'''Jones''' vs. '''Trinidad'''
|[[Félix Trinidad vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Bring on the Titans]]
|{{center|500,000}}
|-
|align=center|9
|November 8, 2008 
|'''Calzaghe''' vs. '''Jones'''
|[[Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Battle of the Superpowers]]
|{{center|225,000}}
|-
|align=center|10
|March 3, 2010
|'''Hopkins''' vs. '''Jones''' II
|[[Bernard Hopkins vs. Roy Jones Jr. II|The Rivals]]
|{{center|150,000}}
|-
|align=center|11
|November 28, 2020
|'''Tyson''' vs. '''Jones''' 
|[[Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Lockdown Knockdown]]
|{{center|1,600,000}}
|-
!
! colspan="3" |Total sales
!4,778,000
|}

==Music career==
{{See also|Body Head Bangerz}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Roy Jones Jr.
| background        = solo_singer
| birth_place       = [[Pensacola, Florida]], U.S.
| occupation        = rapper, boxer
| genre             = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]], [[Southern hip hop]], [[crunk]]
| years_active      = 2001–present
| label             = [[Body Head Entertainment]]
}}

Jones started his rap music career in 2001 with his album, titled ''[[Round One: The Album]]'' and the debut single, "Y'All Must've Forgot". In 2004, Jones formed a group, [[Body Head Bangerz]] and released an album. The album, ''[[Body Head Bangerz: Volume One]]'', featured [[B.G. (rapper)|B.G.]], [[Juvenile (rapper)|Juvenile]], [[Bun B]] of [[UGK]], [[Petey Pablo]], [[Lil' Flip]] and [[Mike Jones (rapper)|Mike Jones]] among others.

In addition, Jones has made multiple songs regarding [[Florida State University]] Athletics. Growing up in the [[Florida Panhandle|panhandle of Florida]], Jones has been a long time fan of [[Florida State University]].<ref>[https://247sports.com/college/florida-state/Board/36/Contents/Roy-Jones-Jr-new-song-about-FSU-basketball-9419639/ Roy Jones Jr new song about FSU basketball]</ref>

==Discography==
===Album===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="left"|Album information
|-
|align="left"|'''''[[Round One: The Album]]'''''
*Released: February 26, 2002
*Label: [[Body Head Entertainment]]
*Last [[RIAA Certification]]: None
*Singles: "Y'all Must've Forgot", "And Still"
|}

===With Body Head Bangerz===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!align="left"|Album information
|-
|align="left"|'''''[[Body Head Bangerz: Volume One]]'''''
*Released: October 26, 2004
*Label: [[Body Head Entertainment]]
*Last [[RIAA Certification]]: None
*Singles: "Can't Be Touched", "[[I Smoke, I Drank (Remix)]]"
|}

===Solo singles===
*2001: "Y'all Must've Forgot"
*2001: "And Still"
*2009: "Battle of the Super Powers"
*2019: "Make 'em Remember" (Production Manager/Master Engineer: Grant Wilson Baker)

===Featured singles===
*2004: "Can't Be Touched"

==Filmography==
* ''[[Mad TV]]'' (1995) - Himself (Episode: ''[[Mad TV (season 1)|#104]]'')
* ''[[Married... with Children]]'' (1996) - Customer (Episode: ''[[List of Married... with Children episodes|Torch Song Duet]]'')
* ''[[The Devil's Advocate (1997 film)|The Devil's Advocate]]'' (1997) – Himself
* ''[[The Sentinel (TV series)|The Sentinel]]'' (1998) – Sweet Roy Williams (Episode: "[[List of The Sentinel episodes#ep50|Sweet Science]]")
* ''[[The Wayans Brothers]]'' (1999) – Himself (Episode: "[[List of The Wayans Bros. episodes#Season Five (1998–1999) 21|Rope-a-Dope]]")
* ''[[The Matrix Reloaded]]'' (2003) – Captain Ballard
* ''[[Enter the Matrix]]'' (2003) – Captain Ballard
* ''Cordially Invited'' (2007) – Lenny Banks
* ''[[Little Fockers]]'' (2010) - Party Parent
* ''[[Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning]]'' (2012) – Mess Hall Unisol
* ''[[Grudge Match]]'' (2013) – Himself
* ''Inside Mayweather vs. Pacquiao'' (2015) - Himself (''Epilogue'' episode, cameo)
* ''[[Southpaw (film)|Southpaw]]'' (2015) – Himself
* ''[[Creed II]]'' (2018) – Himself

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1035578/?ref_=m_ttfcd_cl56

==External links==
*{{Boxrec|id=774820}}
*{{Official website|http://www.royjonesjr.com/}}
*[http://roy-jones.net/ Roy-Jones.net] {{in lang|ru}}

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Amateur boxing titles}}
{{s-before|before=Robert Guy}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of US national Golden Gloves light welterweight champions|U.S. Golden Gloves<br>light welterweight champion]]
|years=1986}}
{{s-after|after=[[Todd Foster]]}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Council|WBC]] Continental Americas<br>[[super middleweight]] champion
|years=December 5, 1992 – February 1993<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Carl Jones}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Prince Badi Ajamu]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] [[light heavyweight]] champion
|years=July 29, 2006 – April 2007<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Otis Griffin]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Tavoris Cloud]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=NABO light heavyweight champion
|years=March 21, 2009 – December 2009<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Andrzej Fonfara]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Matamba Debatch Postolo}}
{{s-ttl|title=UBO Intercontinental<br>[[cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] champion
|years=December 10, 2011 – August 2012<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=David Radeff}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Minor world boxing titles}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Drake Thadzi]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBO world champions#Light heavyweight|IBO light heavyweight champion]]
|years=November 18, 1999 – [[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Antonio Tarver II|May 15, 2004]]}}
{{s-aft|rows=2|after=[[Antonio Tarver]]}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Ole Klemetsen]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBA light heavyweight champion
|years=[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Julio César González|July 28, 2001]] – May 15, 2004}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Mark Baker}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Federation (organization)|WBF (Federation)]]<br>light heavyweight champion
|years=July 28, 2001 – February 2003<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Manuel Ossie]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Rachid Kanfouah}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[International Boxing Council|IBC]] light heavyweight champion
|years=July 14, 2007 – March 2008<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Dawid Kostecki]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Dennis Ronert}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Union|WBU]] cruiserweight champion<br>German title
|years=December 21, 2013 – December 2016<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Sotirios Georgikeas}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Marino Goles}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Foundation|WBF (Foundation)]]<br>cruiserweight champion
|years=February 18, 2017 – February 8, 2018<br>Retired}}
{{s-vac}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Sotirios Georgikeas}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBU cruiserweight champion<br>German title
|years=February 8, 2018 – February 8, 2018<br>Retired}}
{{s-vac|next=Tefik Bejrami}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Major world boxing titles}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[James Toney]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Middleweight|IBF middleweight champion]]
|years=May 22, 1993 – August 25, 1994<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Bernard Hopkins]]}}
{{s-bef|before=James Toney}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Super middleweight|IBF super middleweight champion]]
|years=[[James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.|November 18, 1994]] – February 20, 1997<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Charles Brewer (boxer)|Charles Brewer]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Mike McCallum]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBC world champions#Light heavyweight|WBC light heavyweight champion]]<br>[[Interim title]]
|years=[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Mike McCallum|November 22, 1996]] – January 13, 1997<br>Promoted}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Adrian Diaconu]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Fabrice Tiozzo]]<br>''{{small|vacated}}''}} 
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBC world champions#Light heavyweight|WBC light heavyweight champion]]
|years=January 13, 1997 – [[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Montell Griffin|March 21, 1997]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Montell Griffin]]}}
{{s-bef|before=Montell Griffin}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBC light heavyweight champion
|years=[[Montell Griffin vs. Roy Jones Jr. II|August 7, 1997]] – November 5, 1997<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Graciano Rocchigiani]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Lou Del Valle]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBA world champions#Light heavyweight|WBA light heavyweight champion]]
|years=[[Lou Del Valle vs. Roy Jones Jr.|July 18, 1998]] – December 2000<br>Promoted}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Silvio Branco]]}}
{{s-bef|before=Graciano Rocchigiani<br>''{{small|stripped}}''}} 
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBC world champions#Light heavyweight|WBC light heavyweight champion]]
|years=October 1998 – April 4, 2003<br>Stripped}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Antonio Tarver]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Reggie Johnson (boxer)|Reggie Johnson]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Light heavyweight|IBF light heavyweight champion]]
|years=[[Roy Jones Jr. vs. Reggie Johnson|June 5, 1999]] – November 18, 2002 <br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Antonio Tarver}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Michael Spinks]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of undisputed boxing champions#Light heavyweight|Undisputed light heavyweight champion]]
|years=June 5, 1999 – November 18, 2002<br>Titles fragmented}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Artur Beterbiev]]}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBA light heavyweight champion<br>[[WBA (Super)|Super title]]
|years=December 2000 – April 15, 2003<br>Vacated<br>{{small|Unified champion from August 5, 2002}}}}
{{s-vac|next=Himself}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Michael Spinks}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of The Ring world champions#Light heavyweight|''The Ring'' light heavyweight champion]]
|years=2001 – May 15, 2004}}
{{s-aft|after=Antonio Tarver}}
{{s-bef|before=[[John Ruiz]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|WBA heavyweight champion]]
|years=[[John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr.|March 1, 2003]] – February 24, 2004<br>Vacated}}
{{s-aft|after=John Ruiz}}
{{s-vac|last=Himself}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBA light heavyweight champion<br>Unified title
|years=[[Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr.|November 8, 2003]] – May 15, 2004}}
{{s-aft|rows=2|after=Antonio Tarver}}
{{s-bef|before=Antonio Tarver}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBC light heavyweight champion
|years=November 8, 2003 – May 15, 2004}}
{{s-ach|aw}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-before|before=[[Michael Carbajal]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year#1990s|''The Ring'' Fighter of the Year]]
|years=1994}}
{{s-after|after=[[Oscar De La Hoya]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-non|reason=Inaugural award}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Sugar Ray Robinson Award#1990s|BWAA Fighter of the Decade]]
|years=1990s}}
{{s-after|after=[[Manny Pacquiao]]}}
{{s-before|before=[[George Foreman]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Best Boxer ESPY Award]]
|years=1996}}
{{s-after|after=[[Evander Holyfield]]}}
{{s-before|before=Oscar De La Hoya}}
{{s-ttl|title=Best Boxer ESPY Award
|years=2000}}
{{s-after|after=[[Félix Trinidad]]}}
{{s-before|before=[[Lennox Lewis]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Best Boxer ESPY Award
|years=2003}}
{{s-after|after=Antonio Tarver}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Pernell Whitaker]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Boxing pound for pound rankings#The Ring|''The Ring'' pound for pound #1 boxer]]
|years=November 1996 – May 1997}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Oscar De La Hoya]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef|before=Oscar De La Hoya}}
{{s-ttl|title=''The Ring'' pound for pound #1 boxer
|years=June 1999 – June 2000}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Shane Mosley]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef|before=Bernard Hopkins}}
{{s-ttl|title=''The Ring'' pound for pound #1 boxer
|years=June 2003 – June 8, 2004}}
{{s-aft|after=Bernard Hopkins}}
{{s-end}}

{{Roy Jones Jr.}}
{{Footer USA Boxing 1988 Summer Olympics}}
{{Val Barker Trophy winners}}
{{Ring magazine Fighter of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Roy Jr.}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American boxers]]
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[[Category:American sportspeople in doping cases]]
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[[Category:Boxers at the 1988 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Pensacola, Florida]]
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[[Category:International Boxing Federation champions]]
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[[Category:American boxing commentators]]
[[Category:Goodwill Games medalists in boxing]]
[[Category:Competitors at the 1986 Goodwill Games]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
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[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees]]