Ed Too Tall Jones is a flash from the past. I had such high expectations for Ed Too Tall Jones when he went pro in the boxing arena. From the looks of him, he had the body hand made for a natural athlete. It is a pity he didn’t have the speed, and abilities of most Boxer with a hunger for the game. From Football to Boxing, and back to football again. Sounds a little like my life: from rags to riches, and back to rags again!
Just because one is great in one sport, doesn't mean one can do well in any sport. There have been many foot ball players that thought they can train a few months, and then just get in a boxing ring and be successful. Most (All?) Have failed miserably. It's a whole different world. Ali said it best when Wilt Chamberlain thought about fighting him...... Ali was asked what whould happen if Chamberlain got in a ring with him. Ali said Temmmbbeeerrr.
Jones was 6-0 with 5 KO's. A big man at 6'8" tall with a 88" reach, we have to look beyond the number. In his debut Jones won a majority decision over a 5-6 fighter who was stopped 4 times before. The competition level was very low, and he wisely hung the gloves up, most likely after getting pasted in the gym. Jones was not a talented boxer, nor did he have a good feel for the game. He was only tall and big.
He came into the game as an honest novice and did nothing to disgrace himself. A network latched onto his debut for an easy ratings grab but as far as I know he never pimped himself out as a carnival act. I think he carried himself with dignity, never got involved with any fix shenanigans like Mark Gastineau and left to go back to football after giving it an honest try. I think he respected boxing and never disgraced himself or the sport in any way.
Ed was a good guy. I've read a little about his decision to fight pro. He was always a fight fan, had tools, at least, to give it a shot. His dad (a big fight fan) encouraged him. In his last fight, which he won, he beat yet another 'trial horse' but...got nailed several times. Ed saw what was on the table despite his undefeated record and 'hung em up'. He knew he didn't have it; he tried and saw he couldn't. No shame IMO; at least he tried!!
A fight between 6’9” Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones and 6’10” Mike ‘The Giant’ White in the early 1980s would have been a marketing dream matchup.
