Jones wants to finish business with Hopkins

By Paul Upham: In Sydney, Australia, to film the sequel to “The Matrix” with Keanu Reeves, undisputed light-heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr watched the Hopkins-Trinidad clash at the Sky Channel studios and was not surprised with Bernard Hopkins’ victory, having confidently predicted before the fight that Hopkins would win. The only disappointment to Jones was that a huge match between himself and Trinidad was now off, costing him a lot of money.
“It cost me probably about $20 million,” lamented Jones Jr, who said that Don King had approached him about a fight with Trinidad, but he had warned the promoter about putting the Puerto Rican in against Hopkins. “I told Don King whatever you do, if you want to see Felix Trinidad against Roy Jones Jr, then don’t fight Bernard Hopkins.”

Jones praised Hopkin’ performance against Trinidad, pointing out that not only does Hopkins have plenty of heart, but he has the experience and skills in abundance.

Many critics have said that Roy Jones Jr was not himself when he defeated Bernard Hopkins on points in their May 1993 fight. Jones says that he was unable to finish Hopkins off because of an injury to his right hand.

“I beat him with one hand and that was nearly 10 years ago,” said Jones.

“He’s been doing a lot of talking and this time I’ll have to do the job properly and knock him out. Break his jaw.”

Is Hopkins a better fighter now than when they fought back in 1993?

“No. But his confidence levels are a lot higher now,” said Jones.

However, it is important for Jones to remain the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world. He says he will now look to make defences against IBF No.1 contender Glenn Kelly, WBC No.1 contender Clinton Woods and then a rematch with Bernard Hopkins.

“I’ve been trying to tell HBO that I worked so hard to get these titles, why should I let anyone just take them off me,” said Jones, who has been so impressed with Australia since arriving, that he is genuinely interested in defending his title against local Glenn Kelly there.

“The people are different here and have been so good to me,” said Jones. “If we can get enough money for the fight, then I’d be happy to fight here in Australia.”


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor