Roy Jones Jr., 54, has lost his comeback fight.
The Hall of Famer, entering a sanctioned fight for the first time in more than five years, lost by majority decision to 36-year-old former UFC champion Anthony Pettis in an eight-round cruiser fight on Wednesday. Seven in Milwaukee.
The official scores were 78-74 and 77-75 for Pettis, and 76-76.
The bout was competitive throughout and Jones fought urgently in the final few rounds but overall he was beaten by Pettis, who was making his boxing debut.
“For me, I love to come and entertain the fans,” Jones said afterward. “My job is to come in and make sure the fans get what they paid for, and I’m perfectly happy with that.
“I think it was a good game. He did a great job and fought very smart. I think I educated him and taught him a lot in this fight. So I thought it would be better if I fought him again because now he knows more.
“I think it’s going to be a really good rematch.”
Jones will be in an exhibit with Mike Tyson in 2020. Why go to punishing fights instead of exhibitions when you’re over 50?
“I don’t do exhibitions, I really fight,” says Jones. “I’m not a show guy, I’m a real guy. I want to win, or do I want to lose. But I will go out with my shield.
“And I want to be able to do it as many times as I want. At 54 it’s a great thing and he has said he will do it again because a referee has leveled. So that’s what I love.
Meanwhile, Pettis is impressed with the old man. And he’s excited to start a new journey.
Pettis said: ‘Oh my god, he’s 54 years old, but you have to give up for him. “He is a legend in the sport, a GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity. Give up on Roy Jones Jr., man.
Pettis continued: “I will fight one game at a time, one day at a time. “I’m a pro at 1-0 and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
What about the rematch with Jones?
“I would love to do it again,” Pettis said. “Let’s go. That would be an honor, man.”
