The 48 year-old, who is on a three-fight winning streak since being badly knocked out by ex-world champion Enzo Macarinelli, has announced his retirement bout for February 8 at the Civic Center in Pensacola, Florida.
“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,” said Jones Jr.
An all-conquering belt holder at light-heavyweight in his heyday, Jones also claimed recognized versions at middleweight, super-middleweight and heavyweight before stabilizing himself in the cruiserweight division but failing to reach the summit.
Jones lost out to the likes of Danny Green, Denis Lebedev and Welshman Macarinelli when attempting to put a world title run together at 200 pounds but it’s his exploits at 175 and in the top division which will stand out when all is said and done.
One of America’s finest in recent decades, Jones became virtually undisputed and unbeatable in 2001 before unthinkably moving up to heavyweight two years later to defeat John Ruiz for the WBA title.
Three straight losses between 2009 and 2011 should really have signalled the end for Jones, although he decided to continue way past his prime and will now meet an opponent to be announced soon before eventually hanging up his gloves for good.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
