Roy Jones Jr had a record-breaking career spanning several different weight classes. He knows a thing or two about taking a powerful punch.
As one of the most decorated fighters of all time, Jone held world titles in four different divisions including middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. He was The Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year in 1994 and holds the record for the most wins in unified light heavyweight title bouts in boxing history, 12 in all.
He faced the likes of James Toney, Antonio Tarver, John Ruiz, Felix Trinidad, Joe Calzaghe and countless more, including Mike Tyson in an exhibition in July 2020 that lasted the full eight rounds and was declared a draw.
Appearing on the Sugar Shane Show, Jones identified that event with Tyson as the moment he was hit hardest despite the 76 pro bouts that came before.
“Mike Tyson still the strongest puncher that I’ve ever been in the ring with, ever, at 55, I was 58. The strongest puncher I’ve ever been in the ring with. First time he hit me it felt like a mule had kicked me. So the first time he hit anybody with power like that they going out or they going down, especially guys who ain’t used to being hit like that.”
Tyson had an 88% knockout-to-win ratio during his campaign, often striking fear into the hearts of opponents before they stepped through the ropes. It took 19 fights before he went past the sixth round.
Jones then threw it forward to Tyson’s upcoming fight with Jake Paul and didn’t predict it would end well for the younger man.
“Jake Paul, I don’t think he’s gonna be able to take Mike hitting him on the chin like that.”
