Considered one of the greatest boxers to ever lace up gloves, Roy Jones Jr. has left a legacy in the ring unlike many before him or since.
An Olympian. A multiple-division world champion — and a rapper, Jones Jr. has really done it all when it comes to sporting achievements and entertainment.
A devastating power puncher with real one-shot stopping power, Jones Jr. would demonstrate just that up and down divisions against some big challengers for years.
Below, let’s delve into the career and life of Floridian fan-favorite Roy Jones Jr.
Who is Roy Jones Jr.?
Born on January 16, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida — Jones Jr. struck gold as light as middleweight — and as heavy as heavyweight.
And with his 2003 WBA heavyweight title win, Jones Jr. made staggering history. For the first time in 106 years, a former middleweight champion had struck gold as high as heavyweight, and that was Jones Jr. with his win over defending kingpin John Ruiz.
Why is Roy Jones Jr. nicknamed ‘Captain Hook’?
This one should be fairly self-explanatory. And it’s not due to a resemblance to the Jolly Roger captain bearing the same name, it’s Jones Jr.’s crushing hooking ability in the ring.
Lodging 47 separate career knockout wins, Jones Jr. would lull opponents to sleep in the squared circle before pivoting and landing a devastating hook shot, sending them to the canvas either immediately or soon thereafter.
How old is Roy Jones Jr.?
Born in ‘The Sunshine State’ in 1969, Jones Jr. is currently 56 years old. But despite his veteran standing, just two years ago, Jones Jr. entered the ring at 54 years of age to take on former UFC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis in a majority decision defeat.
How many children does Roy Jones Jr. have?
Married for more than 20 years, Jones Jr. and his wife, Natlyn Jones, have three children together. Naming his eldest son Roy III, back in 2024, Jones Jr. tragically announced the couple’s son DeAndre had committed suicide. Jones Jr.’s other son — a twin of DeAndre is named DeShaun.
How much money has Roy Jones Jr. made?
Not considered a massive pay-per-view draw despite his success, Jones Jr. did hit the heights of PPV in his infamous exhibition boxing match with Mike Tyson back in 2020.
However, during his career, estimates suggest Jones Jr. made in the region of $55 million, and currently boasts a $7 million net worth.
Roy Jones Jr.’s rap career
Back in 2001, still deep in his professional boxing career, Jones Jr. entered the music industry.
Notably, releasing the single “Y’All Must’ve Forgot” from his debut album Round One: The Album Jones Jr. also released “Can’t Be Touched” in 2004, with a host of combat sports stars in both mixed martial arts and boxing using the single during their walkout.
Roy Jones Jr.’s professional record
At the time of publication, Jones Jr. currently boasts a 66-10 professional record, including an impressive 47 knockout victories. In 2022, Jones Jr. was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Roy Jones Jr.’s championship wins
A four-division champion, Jones Jr. landed gold at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and as mentioned, heavyweight during his illustrious career.
Jones is also the most prolific light heavyweight title fighter in boxing history, landing a staggering 12 victories in unified championship bouts at the weight class.
Roy Jones Jr. vs. James Toney
Billed as The Uncivil War — Jones Jr. and Toney met for the IBF super middleweight championship in a grudge match back in 1994.
Turning in a dominant unanimous decision (119-108, 118-109, 117-110) victory over Toney in an unanimously heralded performance, Jones Jr. would crown himself as the new undisputed IBF super middleweight titleholder.
With the victory to boot, Jones Jr. would improve his record to 27-0 — whilst also inflicting Toney’s first defeat in 46 straight fights.
Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bernard Hopkins
A year prior to his win over Toney, Jones Jr. featured in a clash with fellow sport icon, Bernard Hopkins — on a card billed as The Heavyweight Debate.
Competing for the vacant IBF middleweight crown, Jones Jr. would again turn in a 12 round victory against former undisputed middleweight and lineal light heavyweight champion, Hopkins.
With his win over Hopkins, Jones Jr. also handed ‘The Executioner’ his first professional loss since a 1988 debut defeat. In 2010, Hopkins would face Jones Jr. in a rematch, this time avenging the loss in a decision victory.
Roy Jones Jr. vs Antonio Tarver II
One of the most memorable trilogies in modern light heavyweight history saw Jones Jr. battle against the brash Antonio Tarver thrice between two years in the early noughties.
Taking home a narrow majority decision win over Tarver in 2003, Jones Jr. met with the former the following year — leading to an infamous pre-fight moment.
During their pre-fight staredown, Tarver barked at Jones, “You got any excuses tonight, Roy?” — before going on to knock out the Florida megastar with a second round finish. With the loss, Jones Jr.’s unbeaten run had been halted following a dubious disqualification loss to Montell Griffin — 15 fights prior.