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I've seen this in the rumours columns of a few trade papers lately (including the reputable Boxing News) that Roy Jones Jr. is rumoured to be pursuing a challenge for Woods's IBF belt in February.
If this does come off it would certainly be an interesting proposition... most probably remember Woods when he was emphatically stopped (though a TKO - the ref stepped in) by Jones in six rounds... although Woods has lost on points twice (to Glen Johnson, whom he also had a controversial draw with, and David Starie nearly eight years ago) Roy was the only one to beat him comphrensively, looking in a completely different league.
However, the only problem is... that was September 2002. When they first met there was a huge gulf in class, which was more due to Roy's prodigious talents than anything else. Back then I'd have given Woods 6/10 as a boxer.... Jones probably full marks.
Since then, however, Woods has consistently improved, both in strength, stamina, nutrition, power, and - perhaps most importantly - experience. He's just stopped Rico Hoye in five rounds and made Julio Gonzalez look green. I'd give him a high 7 right now.
But the biggest factor is clearly this... the Roy Jones who put on an exhibition against him no longer exists. I suspect that Roy will still be in Clinton's head and that he may lack the killer instinct to finish him off out of respect. Woods may even outhustle Jones yet get the decision taken away from him.
Since he fought Roy Clinton has been the distance with Glen Johnson twice in competitive bouts... and that was BEFORE he worked on his nutrition.
I'd be prepared to wager 50mil on Clinton if this fight comes off, though I'd still be by no means certain. I think it will just be a clearer indication than any of how far Roy has declined.
If this does come off it would certainly be an interesting proposition... most probably remember Woods when he was emphatically stopped (though a TKO - the ref stepped in) by Jones in six rounds... although Woods has lost on points twice (to Glen Johnson, whom he also had a controversial draw with, and David Starie nearly eight years ago) Roy was the only one to beat him comphrensively, looking in a completely different league.
However, the only problem is... that was September 2002. When they first met there was a huge gulf in class, which was more due to Roy's prodigious talents than anything else. Back then I'd have given Woods 6/10 as a boxer.... Jones probably full marks.
Since then, however, Woods has consistently improved, both in strength, stamina, nutrition, power, and - perhaps most importantly - experience. He's just stopped Rico Hoye in five rounds and made Julio Gonzalez look green. I'd give him a high 7 right now.
But the biggest factor is clearly this... the Roy Jones who put on an exhibition against him no longer exists. I suspect that Roy will still be in Clinton's head and that he may lack the killer instinct to finish him off out of respect. Woods may even outhustle Jones yet get the decision taken away from him.
Since he fought Roy Clinton has been the distance with Glen Johnson twice in competitive bouts... and that was BEFORE he worked on his nutrition.
I'd be prepared to wager 50mil on Clinton if this fight comes off, though I'd still be by no means certain. I think it will just be a clearer indication than any of how far Roy has declined.
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