Tony Moran has been handed the chance of a lifetime.
The former British and Commonwealth title challenger, who had time in the octagon as Rampage Jackson’s training partner, will face boxing royalty in the autumn.
Moran returned to the squared circle in May with a four-round victory over Jody Meikle, but will now take on the man who won an Olympic silver medal and was voted Fighter of the Decade in the 1990s at Aintree Equestrian Centre.
Jones, who has been active since 1989, is set to come up against the Liverpool hero on September 12.
The clash represents a significant step up for 42-year-old Moran, who boasts a record of 15 wins with six stoppages and six defeats.
“This is a great opportunity for me to better my life,” said Moran, who is heralded in the city for his work with the homeless community.
“My life for the past three years has been a bit of a nightmare and I’m trying to make a better life for myself. I’m a good man who has been in a bad situation and I see this as my cinderella story, as a way to get me back up on my feet and for me to be able to do the best I can for the people around me.
“The people of Liverpool know what I’m about and so do the people of the world; world-level fighters know what I’m about because they’ve had to look at me. At some point or other they’ve had to share a ring with me –– whether that be in the gym or competitively, in MMA especially –– so people, I think, will be able to relate to my story and wish me well in doing it.
“I know I’m the opponent and the attraction is Roy Jones Jr., but with the support of ‘Rampage’ (Quentin Jackson) and ‘Rocket’ Ronnie O’Sullivan [who will both be invited guests at the show], I know everyone will get behind me and, one thing’s for sure: I won’t take this lying down.
“I’ll go out there and give it everything I’ve got.”
Paul Economides and Tasif Khan will challenge for titles at the top of the undercard.
Chester super bantamweight Economides will face Prosper Ankrah, who has suffered only five defeats from 29 contests and has 15 stoppages to his name, while 32-year-old Khan will box former Commonwealth flyweight title challenger and ex-Kal Yafai victim Isaac Quaye (27-11-1, 18KOs), who frequented the same arena last March when going the distance –– but dropping a decision –– against now-European eight-stone king Kevin Satchell.
There is action for Nick Quigley, Russian featherweight sensation David Agadzhanyan, Lee Boyce, Dayle Gallagher and Solihull’s Antonio Counihan will also feature.
Elsewhere, there’ll be an appearance for Jay Carney, and new signing, light heavyweight Liam Milner, will make his bow in the pro ranks alongside Lee Monaghan and Tom Bell.
Tickets, priced at £40, £60, £100 and £150, are available now by phone on 0333 200 0905 or online via vaughanboxing.tv.
VIP and corporate packages are available on request. For further information contact 0333 200 0905.
An announcement on the broadcaster for the show will be made in due course, with discussions ongoing with several channels.