More lies from Jones detractors, let's see a source for either of the above, the latter claim particularly because that isn't how drugs testing works, so good job on exposing yourself for the agenda ridden poster you are
Collins was an absolute warrior with a huge pair of balls, and I've got nothing but respect for him. But HBO didn't want anything to do with that fight. When he got in the ring with Roy in 99, he offered nothing. No belt, no money, he wasn't a mandatory etc. HBO wanted Roy to ignore Collins and Fight Reggie Johnson to unify the titles at 175, and that's exactly what happened. Roy fought Reggie in his very next fight. If Collins had been a 175 champ, and there'd have been interest, then I'm sure the fight would have taken place. Steve was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But again, he deserves enormous respect, because he can say that he chased Roy, unlike somebody else we know. Regards, Loudon.
And? Roy had already beaten the best fighter at the weight and then after he couldn't negotiate with King, he decided to move up. I wouldn't mind if he'd missed all these guys, while staying at 168. But he only fought there 6 times.
But in 99' Collins was retired 2 years. I see what you mean, pro boxing being a business and all but the only time Jones said that he'd fight Collins was when he was retired and only if he fought Calzaghe first. Im not sayin Collins would have beat Jones or vise versa, I just came across this thread and thought I'd have a look.
Nunn was Jones' mandatory, he should have fought him. As for the failed drugs test, well the proof has posted on here many times, a letter asking for a follow up test, and Jacob Hall confirming that Jones didn't submit to it. As there were no laws at that time, because the testing was in it's infancy, they couldn't prosecute him. The proof has been posted on here several times before, if you choose to ignore it then go ahead, it is what it is If it really bothers you, I can post up the sources later when I have time?
It was a belt he hadn't got. Can you justify him being the best in the division when he didn't fight the champions?
That's fair enough mate, and I agree Roy messed him about. HBO wanted Calzaghe and Collins to face each other, with the winner possibly fighting Roy. It was Lou De Bella who wanted that. Collins then had to retire, and Joe passed up the chance of fighting in the U.S. to raise his profile, by saying "I'm not chasing Roy Jones, I don't want tough fights." Again, I've got so much respect for Collins, but people like to imply that Roy was scared of him etc. If Roy had've been scared of Collins at 29, then what the hell was he doing up at heavyweight at 34, asking his promoter to try and get him fights with Lewis and Tyson? Regards, Loudon.
What a garbage interview....Did we excpect RJJ to take any blame...Oh well it certainly was entertaining.
He couldn't fight the other champs and the WBO wasn't respected back then at all. Benn was the WBC champion. As discussed, Roy tried to negotiate with Don King to fight Nigel Benn in 1995. But King wanted to tie Roy into a three fight deal. Roy wanted a one fight deal only, and neither would back down. Frankie Liles was the WBA champion, and was also a Don King fighter. Roy knew he couldn't unify, so he moved up. When Collins came calling for Roy again in 1999, Roy was up at 175. There's lots of politics and circumstances that rob fight fans of good fights. It's not as simple as saying someone ducked such and such. Regards, Loudon.