By Vadim Pushkin
Andrey Ryabinskiy, the head of Russia’s top boxing promotional company “World of Boxing” had a lot to say regarding the recent crushing defeat, suffered by American icon Roy Jones Jr. (62-9, 45 KOs), who was recently granted Russian citizenship.
Jones Jr., 46-years-old, was knocked out cold yesterday by Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli (41-7, 33 KOs) in four rounds at the VTB Ice Palace in Moscow, Russia.
Ryabinskiy, furious and very upset over the loss, called Jones “one of the greatest in the history of the sport” and blamed fellow promoter Vladimir Hryunov for the bitter setback in his conversation with Russian media. (although, technically Vladimir Hryunov was not the promoter of the event).
“He should have never fought in this bout in the very first place. This match-up was useless, harmful. It would have been another case if it had been a title fight but it couldn’t have been a title fight as both participants aren’t highly rated by the sanctioning bodies," said Ryabinskiy.
“Vladimir Hryunov is the one to blame here. For what reason did he arrange this fight? What for?! It shouldn’t have been arranged. Hryunov created a let down and tricked both our country and Roy Jones Jr. by staging this nonsense”, added Ryabinskiy.
“Roy can be a singer, can open new boxing schools, and can help by strengthening prizefighting in Russia, but he shouldn’t be fighting in such fights at this stage of his career. Vladimir [Hryunov], if you need money – come to me and we shall make something interesting, but please don’t make Russia ashamed of these wrongdoings."
