In a huge shock to world boxing, today in Australia Roy Jones Jr, now 54-6-0 (40), was blown away by Australian Danny Green in less than a round. Green, the IBO cruiserweight champion, was considered the underdog by many but made no mistake, knocking Jones down with a chopping right hand and then pummeling the faded legend with a non-stop barrage of punches until the referee stepped in and saved Jones from further punishment.
The fight began cagey, with both men loaded up on their punches, but it wasn't long at all before Green caught Jones awkwardly with a right hand as Jones was trapped in the corner and the former Lb4Lb king melted to the floor. It was to Jones' credit that he managed to get to his feet, but his legs were gone and as he wobbled around the ring Green let his hands go, smashing Jones tight guard with punch after punch that forced referee Howard Foster to halt the bout awarding the victory to Green in an amazing first round TKO. It took just two minutes and two seconds to the delight of a raucous Australian crowd.
This must certainly signal the end for Jones, There really is no way he can come back from this and to hear anything from him apart his retirement speech would be worrying. His punch resistance has sunk so low that you would worry for him in any fight of any magnitude from now on. He can be proud of his career and his achievements but needs to see that it's time to call it a day.
As for Green, what a career boost this will be for him. Will he step in and replace Roy to face Bernard Hopkins next March? Who knows.. maybe he could even tempt Joe Calzaghe out of retirement or even face the winner of this weekends Marco Huck-Ola Afolabi bout, but one things for sure, after this stunning victory the immediate future looks rosy for Green, even at his advanced age of 36. Green improved to 28-3-0 (25).
By CEI SMITH
