By Rick Reeno

Welterweight contender Mike Jones (26-1, 19KOs) has decided to remain on sidelines after withdrawing from a planning return on June 1 at Bally's Event Center in Atlantic City.

Jones has been inactive since last June, when he was knocked out by Randal Bailey on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Later that year, Jones attempted to break his promotional contract with Russell Peltz, who handles the boxer with Top Rank.

Peltz communicates with Jones through the fighter's attorney, Eric Melzer of New Jersey-based Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis

Jones appeared to be focused on a ring return and was recently training in Las Vegas with Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

On March 22, Jones agreed to face Ray Narh (25-2, 21KOs) on the previously mentioned June date, but then changed his mind on March 29th and refused to sign a contract. No reason was provided, but Jones has several years remaining on his current promotional agreement.