Roy Jones Jr. Sparks Controversy: Mayweather Not in His High 5

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. ignited a firestorm this week by declaring Floyd Mayweather Jr. doesn’t rank amongst his high 5 boxers of all time. Throughout an look on the YouTube present “Ring Champs with AK & Barak,” Jones argued that Mayweather by no means confronted an opponent who was his true equal. Moreover, he accused the undefeated champion of strategic matchmaking.

“He by no means fought a boxer that was his equal,” Jones mentioned within the now-viral clip, which has amassed over 382,000 views on X (previously Twitter) as of right this moment (July 17). He particularly cited names like Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya as examples of elite fighters Mayweather confronted solely after their prime years. Jones additionally added that he stays open to preventing Mayweather. He mentioned an actual, sanctioned bout: “No exhibition. I would like an actual combat.”

A Story of Two Legends

Roy Jones Jr. (66-10) is broadly considered probably the most athletic and fearless fighters in boxing historical past. He gained world titles in a number of weight divisions. Subsequently, famously capturing the WBA heavyweight title in 2003 after transferring up from middleweight. Floyd Mayweather Jr., then again, is widely known for his good 50-0 document, five-division titles, and unmatched defensive talent.

Mayweather’s resume consists of wins over greater than 20 world champions. Nevertheless, critics like Jones argue that he timed these fights advantageously. Pacquiao, De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and even Canelo Alvarez (who was solely 23 when he confronted Mayweather in 2013) are continuously cited as fights that got here at favorable moments for Floyd.

Mayweather has not responded publicly in full. Nevertheless, he did put up Instagram Tales that includes clips of Jones being knocked out in previous fights. Subsequently, intensifying the feud.

Fan Reactions: Polarized and Passionate

The boxing world is sharply divided. Supporters of Jones level to his daring fights towards Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, and John Ruiz, emphasizing that Jones by no means shied away from a problem. Critics of Mayweather echo these sentiments:

“Roy’s proper… Floyd’s resume comes up quick for the highest GOAT slots, as a result of it’s not nearly who you beat, however WHEN.” – @WordSmith

“Mayweather fought the fitting names on the flawed instances. He by no means took the identical dangers Roy did.” – @M_A_N_ofLetters

Others rapidly leapt to Mayweather’s protection:

“Floyd fought whoever they put in entrance of him and made elite fighters look common… 50 have tried and 50 have failed.” – @iam_trollking

“Zab Judah, Corrales, De La Hoya—Floyd fought his equals and beat them. His IQ is unmatched.” – @EricsElectrons

The talk reignited older hypotheticals: Would Sugar Ray Leonard beat Floyd in his prime? Would Jones have overwhelmed Mayweather in the event that they fought at a catchweight?

Legacy: Greatness Is Subjective

This dispute displays the everlasting dilemma in boxing: What defines greatness? For some, it’s daring to be nice by preventing harmful opponents no matter timing. For others, it’s dominance, precision, and longevity. Mayweather’s 50-0 document, record-setting defensive stats, and large PPV earnings ($1 billion+ profession) solidify his place in lots of top-5 lists.

However Jones’ critique isn’t with out benefit. Between 2008 and 2010, Mayweather ignored harmful opponents like Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams. He additionally caught Mosley and Pacquiao within the twilight of their careers. Then again, Jones’ aggressive matchmaking led to late-career knockouts that many consider damage his legacy.

Nonetheless, Jones’ resume of transferring from middleweight to heavyweight is an unparalleled feat in trendy boxing.

Actual Combat or Simply Discuss?

Jones emphasised that his problem to Mayweather isn’t for exhibition functions however for an actual combat. Each fighters are nicely into retirement—Jones final fought in 2020 (an exhibition vs. Mike Tyson), whereas Mayweather has solely participated in exhibitions since 2017.

Would an actual combat occur in 2025? Extremely unlikely. However the very suggestion fuels a profitable “what if” situation for followers and promoters alike.

Generational Divide: Then vs. Now

The heated dialogue between Jones and Mayweather can also be a mirrored image of a broader generational divide in boxing fandom. For older followers who grew up within the 80s and 90s, boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Roy Jones Jr. embody an period of warriors who had been prepared to tackle all comers. These followers usually view right this moment’s period—with its extended negotiations, promotional politics, and emphasis on undefeated information—with skepticism.

In distinction, youthful followers usually see Mayweather’s method because the sensible evolution of the game. His skill to manage combat outcomes outdoors the ring—choosing dates, opponents, and promotions—represented a shift in fighter empowerment. The blueprint Floyd created has been adopted by trendy stars like Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis.

This generational lens provides nuance to the Jones vs. Mayweather debate. To some, Floyd’s profession is an instance of mastery over each side of boxing; to others, it lacks the uncooked thrill and spontaneity of prior eras. The result’s a cultural conflict: one which continues to ripple throughout platforms like X, YouTube, and even barbershop debates.

Conclusion: The Debate Rages On

Roy Jones Jr.’s exclusion of Floyd Mayweather Jr. from his high 5 has added a brand new chapter to the continuing dialogue of boxing greatness. Whereas Jones argues for adversity and boldness in legacy-building, Mayweather’s flawless document, self-discipline, and monetary mastery have set him aside as the game’s final tactician.

Whether or not pushed by private disdain or real standards, Jones’ feedback have reignited debates that span eras, kinds, and fan allegiances. As the net chatter intensifies, one factor stays clear: each males are legends. However within the subjective world of boxing, the place opinion usually outweighs statistics, this feud is much from settled.

Total, Roy Jones Jr. has continued to concentrate on merely simply boxing. In the meantime, Floyd Mayweather has shifted his focus to his enterprise ventures. For Floyd, whereas he’s obsessed with boxing, he’s made it clear his pursuits are extra in enterprise. Because of this, his boxing document is extra part of his enterprise advertising technique. So, there’s a main gamble for Floyd in the case of getting again into the ring.