Roy Jones Jr‘s professional career spanned has spanned a quite incredible 33 years, albeit much more sporadic in recent times, and has seen him win multiple championships in four weight classes.
The 55-year-old remains the only man to kick off his career at super welterweight and go on to win a world heavyweight title.
Jones faced the likes of James Toney, Bernard Hopkins and Antonio Tarver, building a record of 66 wins with 47 knockouts and 10 losses, five of which came by stoppage.
Speaking to fellow former fighter Shane Mosley on his podcast, Jones picked Mike Tyson as the hardest hitter, despite only ever facing him in an exhibition in 2020 – well outside of the heavyweight legend’s pro campaign.
“Mike Tyson still the strongest puncher that I’ve ever been in the ring with. Ever. At 55 at the time, now I think 57 might be 58, he’s still the strongest puncher. First time he hit me in my chin I feel like a mule had kicked me in my chest.
Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, had a 79% knockouts-to-fights ratio and regularly struck fear into his opponents even before they stepped through the ropes.
Jones then applied his experience to Tyson’s controversial upcoming bout with Jake Paul, warning the younger man to avoid taking one on the chin.
“So if he hits anybody on the chin with a shot like that, they either going out or they’re going down. Especially guys that are not used to being hit like that, you know what I’m saying? These guys like Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, these guys are bigger and they can take it, but Jake Paul, I don’t think he’s gonna be able to take that if Mike hit him on the chin like that. We’ll see, but it’s gonna be tough.”
