This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2009)

The International Boxing Federation or IBF is one of four major organizations recognized by IBHOF which sanction world championship boxing bouts, alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO.

History[link]

The IBF is preceded by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), a regional championships organization like the NABF, NABC and NABA. In 1983, at the WBA's annual convention, held in Puerto Rico that year, Bob Lee, president of the USBA, lost in his bid to become WBA president against Gilberto Mendoza. Lee and others withdrew from the convention after the election, and decided to organize a new world-level organization. At first, the new group was named the USBA-International. They decided to base the new organization in New Jersey, where its main offices are still located.

The IBF's first world champion was Marvin Camel, a former WBC world Cruiserweight champion who won the IBF's belt in the same division. During its first year of existence, however, the IBF remained largely obscure. But by 1984, the IBF decided to recognize Larry Holmes, Aaron Pryor, Marvin Hagler and Donald Curry, already established champions from other organizations, as IBF world champions. In Holmes' case, he relinquished his WBC title to accept the IBF's recognition. It established the IBF as the "third" sanctioning body, and a legitimate organization.

Ever since then, the IBF has been the sanctioning body of many important fights and world champions. For example, Félix Trinidad was the IBF's world Welterweight champion from 1993 to 2000, and is one of a long list of world champions who have been recognized by the IBF. The current IBF Heavyweight champion is Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko.

The organization's reputation was seriously damaged in 1999, however, as Lee resigned as the IBF's president upon conviction on racketeering and other violations for taking bribes in exchange for high boxer rankings. Hiawatha Knight then became the first woman president of any of the world's governing boxing bodies. In 2001, Marian Muhammad followed her as president. The organization was under federal observation from Lee's conviction through September 2004, though remaining recognized as one of boxing's "big four" sanctioning organizations.

The IBF and Japan[link]

While all countries that excel in boxing recognized the IBF as a legitimate organization, Japan is an exception. The reason to this lies in the fact that some Japanese boxing officials had unfavorable experiences with the organization. For this matter, challenging a world champion from Japan for unification would be difficult to arrange, especially if the other champion who wishes to is a champion of IBF or WBO.

Current IBF world title holders[link]

Male[link]

Weight class:	Champion:	Reign began:
Minimumweight	Nkosinathi Joyi	March 26, 2010
Junior Flyweight	Ulises Solis	April 30, 2011
Flyweight	Moruti Mthalane	November 20, 2009
Super Flyweight	Juan Carlos Sanchez, Jr.	February 11, 2012
Bantamweight	Vacant
Super Bantamweight	Jeffrey Mathebula	March 24, 2012
Featherweight	Billy Dib	July 29, 2011
Junior Lightweight	Juan Carlos Salgado	September 10, 2011
Lightweight	Miguel Vazquez	August 14, 2010
Junior Welterweight	Lamont Peterson	December 10, 2011
Welterweight	Vacant
Junior middleweight	Cornelius Bundrage	June 25, 2011
Middleweight	Daniel Geale	May 7, 2011
Super Middleweight	Carl Froch	May 26, 2012
Light heavyweight	Tavoris Cloud	August 28, 2009
Cruiserweight	Yoan Pablo Hernandez	October 1, 2011
Heavyweight	Wladimir Klitschko	April 22, 2006

Female[link]

Weight class:	Champion:	Date won:
Strawweight (105 lbs)	Joan Dongus
Junior flyweight (108 lbs)	Rachel Fallon
Flyweight (112 lbs)	vacant?
Junior bantamweight (115 lbs)	vacant?
Bantamweight (118 lbs)	Susie 'Q' Ramadan	20 February 2011
Junior featherweight (122 lbs)	vacant?
Featherweight (126 lbs)	vacant?
Junior lightweight (130 lbs)	Amanda Serrano	10 September 2011
Lightweight (135 lbs)	vacant?
Junior welterweight (140 lbs)	vacant?
Welterweight (147 lbs)	Daniella Smith	12 November 2010
Junior middleweight (154 lbs)	vacant?
Middleweight (160 lbs)	vacant?
Super middleweight (168 lbs)	vacant?
Light heavyweight (175 lbs)	vacant?
Cruiserweight (200 lbs)	vacant?
Heavyweight (200+ lbs)	vacant?

See also[link]

Transition of IBF titles[link]

• List of IBF world champions
• List of IBF Inter-Continental champions
• List of IBF Mediterranean champions
• List of IBF Pan Pacific champions
• List of IBF North American champions

Other world organizations[link]

International Boxing Hall of Fame recognized

• World Boxing Association
• World Boxing Council
• World Boxing Organization

Other organizations

• International Boxing Association
• International Boxing Council
• International Boxing Organization
• World Professional Boxing Federation & United States Boxing Council

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Site
• All-time IBF World champions - Reference book

Nonito Donaire
Donaire in 2010
Statistics
Real name	Nonito Donaire, Jr.
Nickname(s)	The Filipino Flash
Rated at	Flyweight Super Flyweight Bantamweight Super Bantamweight
Height	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Reach	68 in (173 cm)
Nationality	Filipino American
Born	(1982-11-16) November 16, 1982 (age 29) Talibon, Bohol, Philippines
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	29
Wins	28
Wins by KO	18
Losses	1
Draws	0

Nonito Donaire, Jr. (born November 16, 1982) is a Filipino American^[1] professional boxer. Known as "The Filipino Flash," Donaire is a four-division world champion and the reigning WBO Super Bantamweight Champion. He is also the former WBC and WBO Bantamweight, Interim WBA Super Flyweight and IBF Flyweight Champion.

He is a known switch-hitter with the ability to fight either southpaw or orthodox.^[2][3] His surname is often mispronounced as do-nayr but it's properly pronounced as do-nigh-reh.

Donaire is currently rated by The Ring as the number four pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Personal life[link]

Nonito Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines to Filipino parents, Nonito Sr. and Imelda Donaire. He is the third among four siblings: Glenn, Rosiel and Ermie.^[4] Back then, there was no electricity in Bohol.^[5] He grew up in General Santos City, South Cotabato, where he lived until age six^[5] and went to the same school as boxing icon eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.^[6] His father, a second year high school dropout, was in the Philippine Army for eight years and fought as an amateur before trying his luck alone in the US in 1990. In 1993, at the age of eleven, he had joined his father in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California and they lived in San Leandro.^[4][7] He later moved to San Mateo in the Bay Area.^[8]

In childhood, Donaire was a frail, asthmatic and wimpy kid who got bullied in school and went back home crying.^[7][9][10] He was picked on for three years, until a little after he migrated to San Leandro.^[11] At home, he felt no attention has been paid to him, as a middle child. He wanted to be recognised by his parents, especially his father.^{[* 1]} As soon as his brother started boxing, ten year old Nonito craved the respect and recognition the brother got from it,^[5] and started it.^[12] His father took him to a boxing gym at age eleven to get him off the streets.^[11] In his first amateur bout as a kid, he beat the opponent with his straight punches, all the while just thinking that "I’m going to kill him before he kills me."^[12] However, he had had no confidence until he earned four or five knockout victories in the professional bouts.^[11]

During their younger years, Donaire and his older brother Glenn would spar, with the younger brother being beaten often. As a kid, Donaire watched videos of his hero Alexis Argüello, using them to learn how to throw his powerful left hook.^[6] While in San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, California the brothers won an assortment of regional and district amateur boxing championships.^[4] His cousin, Richard Donaire, is also a professional boxer.^[13]

Donaire is married to Rachel Marcial, a Filipino-American USA National Collegiate and Military Taekwando Champion.^[14][15] They were married on August 8, 2008 in a private ceremony in Carmel, California, with all their close relatives.^[16] Subsequently, they had a church wedding in the Philippines on November 11, 2011 (11/11/11).^[7]

Donaire's wife is a pivotal member of his team,^[10][17] with her father acting as his chief security.^[7] His parents-in-law, Gerry and Rebecca Marcial, are the leading members of his support group.^[7] Donaire wants to be with people who are there for him even if he has nothing and likes to please them above all. During his early career, he had hated boxing. Due to excessive pressure, he had not only never enjoyed boxing, but had even dreaded it every day.^{[5][11][12][18]} Nevertheless, he did stick with it because he did not want to disappoint his father. Currently, he always fights for such people who support him and believe in him, and finally for himself, so he loves and enjoys boxing.^[5][12]

Amateur career[link]

As a young American amateur, Donaire won three national championships: the National Silver Gloves in 1998, National Junior Olympics in 1999 and the National USA Tournament in 2000. He also won the International Junior Olympics in 1999.^[19] Donaire's amateur record was 68–8 with 5 TKOs.

Professional career[link]

Donaire turned professional with his brother in 2001. They signed up with promoter Jackie Kallen, who paid the boys a monthly salary of $1,500 each. When Donaire lost his second fight in 2001, via a dodgy decision, he tasted the intense feeling that he did not want to see the sorrow, sadness or pity in people's faces. Since then, he has continued a winning streak for over ten years.^[5] After four pro bouts, Donaire and his brother Glenn left Kallen and returned to Manila with their father. Initially mulling restarting their boxing careers in the Philippines, they decided to go back to the better facilities in San Leandro, where their father felt there were fewer distractions.^[4]

Early years as professional boxer[link]

Donaire won his first regional title in flyweight division by defeating Kaichon Sor Vorapin for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight title in Guam on 9 September 2002. Donaire knocked out the future world title challenger in the second round.

Donaire won his second regional title, the NABF Super Flyweight title, by defeating Kahren Harutyunyan on Shobox by split decision on January 20, 2006. The scores were 97–92, 97–92 for Donaire and 95–94 for Harutyunan.^[20]

On October 7, 2006, Donaire outpointed veteran Oscar Andrade by the scores of 118–109, 116–112, and 116–112. His older brother, Glenn Donaire, fought and lost to Vic Darchinyan on the same night.

Flyweight division[link]

A 7–1 underdog, Donaire won the IBF Flyweight title with a one-punch, fifth round knockout of the then-undefeated Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007.^[21] This victory was awarded Ring Magazine's "Knockout of the Year" and "Upset of the Year" on December 23, 2007.^[22][23][24] On July 31, 2007, Donaire met Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo along with Florante Condes, who won the IBF Minimumweight title on the same weekend as Donaire. Donaire said the experience was, "An overwhelming feeling. It was indescribable. The moment I walked up the stairs and she was up there and when I looked it was a moment when I couldn’t even look at her face. It was a great honor."^[25]

Nonito Donaire with his IBF and IBO Flyweight belts in 2007.

On December 1, 2007, Donaire made the first defense of his IBF title against Luis Maldonado of Mexico by technical knockout in the 8th round. Donaire stated: "I guess my validation was today but I didn't feel my best; I felt sluggish. I didn't have my legs. I don't know what the problem was. I couldn't move well so I tried to rely on my upper body movement."^[26]

In late June 2008, Donaire severed ties with promoter Gary Shaw because the number of fights had not matched the number stated in the contract and Shaw had failed to properly disclose revenue from previous fights as stated under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.^[27] Days after leaving Gary Shaw Productions, he would sign with Top Rank Boxing.^[28]

Donaire, on November 2, 2008, retained his IBF Flyweight title via a 6th-round (1:31) technical knockout of Moruti Mthalane.^[29][30][31] During sparring for that fight, Donaire had an asthma attack. He could not carry through twelve rounds as his father ordered. While his father did not notice the reason and tried to force it to him, he left the gym to go to a hospital. He had a slight symptoms of bronchitis, and was diagnosed with recurrence of asthma.^{[8][* 2]} After the Mthalane fight, he became estranged from his father.^[5]

On April 19, 2009, Donaire faced flyweight Raul Martinez for his third defense of his IBF Flyweight title at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. Donaire scored the TKO after 2:42 into the 4th round.^[33] Donaire has been trained by the Peñalosa brothers (Gerry, Dodie Boy and Jonathan) since the training camp for the match against Martinez. Because of his victory over Martinez, Donaire was included for the first time in the Ring Magazine pound for pound rankings, in the 7th spot.^[34]

Super Flyweight division[link]

The IBF ordered a mandatory rematch between Donaire and previous challenger Moruti Mthalane by August 1, 2009. However, Donaire's agent has expressed interest in moving up to the junior bantamweight/super flyweight division at 115 pounds.^[35] Initially, Donaire was set to face Hugo Fidel Cazares on August 15, but talks for the bout had fallen through 2009.^[36] Rafael Concepción of Panama then replaced Cazares as Donaire's opponent for the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title, which headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 2."^[37] Donaire added conditioning coach Mike Bazzel to supplement Dodie Boy and Jonathan Peñalosa in their camp at the Undisputed Boxing Gym in San Carlos, a Bay Area suburb near San Mateo. He dedicated his fight against Concepcion in memory of late Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino where he requested Everlast, a boxing equipment company, to provide a yellow robe with the inscription “I. M. O. (in memory of) former Pres. Cory Aquino.”^[8] Because Concepcion failed to weigh within the super flyweight limit (115 lbs.), only Donaire, who made weight successfully, can win the title. Donaire won the bout via unanimous decision. Two days after the win over Concepcion, he arrived to a rousing welcome in Manila, where he was feted in a motorcade by Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Donaire's trainer was switched from his father to Roberto García Cortez in late 2009.^[38] Donaire does not want to be rude to Garcia by not training hard. So, even when he is not with Garcia, Donaire is working to the limit.^[39]

On February 13, 2010, Donaire faced Manuel "Chango" Vargas for his first defense of the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. The latter was only a late replacement to Gerson Guerrero, who did not pass eye examinations and was forced to pull out. Vargas took the fight on less than 3 days short notice and had to move up 3 weight divisions. The bout headlined the card titled "Pinoy Power 3." Donaire won the fight via a 3rd-round (1:33) knockout and successfully retained his title.^[40]

After the fight Donaire expressed his interest in fighting Vic Darchinyan, for a rematch, or Fernando Montiel, both boxing champions, as he plans to move up to the bantamweight division.^[41]

According to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, Donaire would have faced the reigning WBC and WBA Super Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan on August 21, 2010 at the Home Depot in California.^[42] After weeks of uncertainty regarding the Donaire-Darchinyan rematch, Arum said the fight was done.^[43] However, the deal fell apart on May 5, 2010, so the bout was called off.^[44]

Donaire is also looking for a fight with WBO Bantamweight Champion Fernando Montiel of Mexico.^[45] However, Donaire stated that he is looking forward to a regular world title match in super flyweight division first before taking on Montiel.^[46]

Following this events, Bob Arum announced that Donaire would fight in the undercard of Juan Manuel López and Bernabe Concepcion bout on July 10, 2010 at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Opponent for this fight was expected to be announced in the coming days.^[47] Donaire challenged Puerto Rican boxer Eric Morel, but the latter turned the offer down.^[48] As a result, Donaire planned a bantamweight move, as he did not find any available opponent in the super flyweight division; at first he refused to fight Hernan "Tyson" Marquez, who was coming from a lopsided loss against Richie Mepranum. The Donaire-Marquez bout took place in the super flyweight division. Donaire won the match by TKO in the eight round.^[3][49] The bout was supposed to be his last fight in the super flyweight division.

Bantamweight[link]

Donaire with his WBO and WBC Bantamweight belts slung over his shoulders, at his public workout at Gleason's Gym, in October 2011.

Following his win against Marquez, Donaire stated his intention to compete in the bantamweight division (118 pounds) to challenge WBO and WBC Champion Fernando Montiel.^[50][51]

On December 4, 2010, Donaire challenged former WBA Bantamweight Champion Wladimir Sidorenko for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight title. Donaire knocked down Sidorenko thrice and became the first man to stop Sidorenko.^[52]

The win against Sidorenko gave Donaire the chance to face Mexican Fernando Montiel.

On February 19, 2011, Donaire stopped Fernando Montiel in the second round to take the WBC and WBO Bantamweight titles.^[53] Donaire took a right to the head from the Montiel, then immediately countered with a devastating left to the head that sent Montiel crumpling to the canvas. Montiel rose to continue and Donaire rushed over to land a left and a right before referee Russell Mora stopped the fight after two minutes and 25 seconds of the second round.^[54] With the victory, Donaire became the second Filipino and third Asian to become a three-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in three different weight divisions.^[55][56]

On February 28, 2011, the Philippine Senate formally adopted two Senate Resolutions filed by Senators Pia Cayetano and Manuel Lapid congratulating and commending Donaire for being an outstanding Filipino boxer and for bringing honor and pride to the country.^[57]

On October 22, 2011, Donaire made his New York debut by beating previously undefeated two-division world champion Omar "El Huracán" Narvaez at Madison Square Garden in New York. Donaire dominated the fight against an obviously outmatched Narvaez but did not get the knockout he sought.

Super Bantamweight[link]

After the fight between WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Toshiaki Nishioka and Rafael Márquez, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum stated that he had an agreement for the winner of the Nishioka-Marquez title fight to face Nonito Donaire, who wants to move up to super bantamweight after his WBC and WBO Bantamweight title fight with Omar Andres Narvaez. However, in an interview after Nishioka won, Arum said that the planned Donaire-Nishioka fight will not happen as earlier planned for mid-January and that "probably Nishioka won't fight Donaire until May or June (2012) because he wants to take a rest." Instead, Arum raised the possibility of Donaire fighting WBO Super Bantamweight Champion Jorge Arce.^[58]

Donaire vs. Vázquez Jr.[link]

After twelve rounds, scores of 117–110 twice were read in Donaire’s favor as the third judge had a surprising 115–112 for Vázquez Jr. He won via split decision to capture the WBO Super Bantamweight title, even though Donaire connected 60 percent of his power shots, outlanded Vázquez in eleven rounds except for the sixth round and knocked him down in the ninth round.^[59] That makes him the second Asian (only other than Manny Pacquiao) to win championships in four different divisions. Donaire fights have been broadcast on HBO since 2011. He reportedly earned 725 thousand dollars from Narvaez fight and a million dollars from Vázquez fight.^{[7][* 3]}

Professional boxing record[link]

28 Wins (18 knockouts, 10 decisions), 1 Loss (by decision), 0 Draws[60]
Res.	Record	Opponent	Type	Rd., Time	Date	Location	Notes
N/A	28–1	Jeffrey Mathebula	-	? (12)	2012-06-30	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Defending WBO Super Bantamweight title. For IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Win	28–1	Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr.	SD	12 (12)	2012-02-04	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, United States	Won vacant WBO Super Bantamweight title.
Win	27–1	Omar Andres Narvaez	UD	12 (12)	2011-10-22	Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, United States	Retained WBC & WBO Bantamweight titles.
Win	26–1	Fernando Montiel	TKO	2 (12)	2011-02-19	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Won WBC & WBO Bantamweight titles.
Win	25–1	Wladimir Sidorenko	KO	4 (12)	2010-12-04	Honda Center, Anaheim, California, United States	Won vacant WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight title.
Win	24–1	Hernan Marquez	TKO	8 (12)	2010-07-10	José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico	Retained Interim WBA Super Flyweight title.
Win	23–1	Manuel Vargas	KO	3 (12)	2010-02-13	Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, United States	Retained Interim WBA Super Flyweight title.
Win	22–1	Rafael Concepcion	UD	12 (12)	2009-08-15	Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Won Interim WBA Super Flyweight title.
Win	21–1	Raúl Martínez	TKO	4 (12)	2009-04-19	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines	Retained IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	20–1	Moruti Mthalane	TKO	6 (12)	2008-11-01	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Retained IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	19–1	Luis Maldonado	TKO	8 (12)	2007-12-01	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, United States	Retained IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	18–1	Vic Darchinyan	TKO	5 (12)	2007-07-07	Harbour Yard Arena, Bridgeport, United States	Won IBF & IBO Flyweight titles.
Win	17–1	Kevin Hudgins	TKO	1 (8)	2007-05-12	Reno Events Center, Reno, United States
Win	16–1	Oscar Andrade	UD	12 (12)	2006-10-07	Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, United States	Retained NABF Super Flyweight title.
Win	15–1	Jose Luis Cardenas	TKO	2 (8)	2006-07-29	Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, United States
Win	14–1	Kahren Harutyunyan	SD	10 (10)	2006-01-20	Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, United States	Won NABF Super Flyweight title.
Win	13–1	Ilido Julio	UD	8 (8)	2005-11-05	Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, United States
Win	12–1	Daniel Gonzalez	KO	1 (8)	2005-10-01	Reno Events Center, Reno, United States
Win	11–1	Larry Olvera	UD	6 (6)	2005-07-02	Reno Events Center, Reno, United States
Win	10–1	Paulino Villalobos	TKO	6 (8)	2005-05-13	Civic Arena, San Jose, United States
Win	9–1	Gilberto Bolanos	UD	8 (8)	2004-11-12	Quiet Cannon, Montebello, United States
Win	8–1	Ricardo Barreras	TKO	4 (6)	2004-06-18	Quiet Cannon, Montebello, United States
Win	7–1	Jorge Lopez	TKO	1 (6)	2003-06-27	Mare Island Sports Center, Vallejo, United States
Win	6–1	Mark Sales	TKO	5 (12)	2002-11-02	Joe Cantada Boxing Arena, Taguig City, Philippines
Win	5–1	Kaichon Sor Vorapin	KO	2 (12)	2002-09-01	University of Guam, Agana, Guam	Won vacant WBO Asia Pacific Super Flyweight title.
Win	4–1	Noel Alma	KO	1 (?)	2002-05-31	Elorde Sports Complex, Parañaque City, Philippines
Win	3–1	Jose Luis Torres	TKO	1 (4)	2001-07-03	Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monterey, United States
Win	2–1	Saul Santoyo	UD	4 (4)	2001-06-08	Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, United States
Loss	1–1	Rosendo Sanchez	UD	5 (5)	2001-03-10	Pacific Sports Center, Vallejo, United States
Win	1–0	Jose Lazaro	KO	1 (4)	2001-02-22	Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, United States

Titles in boxing[link]

Amateur career[link]

National:

• 1998 National Silver Gloves Champion
• 1999 National Jr. Olympics Champion
• 2000 National USA Tournament Champion

International:

• 1999 International Jr. Olympics Champion

Professional career[link]

Major World Titles:

• IBF Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• Interim WBA Super Flyweight Champion (115 lbs)
• WBO Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
• WBC Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)
• WBO Super Bantamweight Champion (122 lbs)

Minor World Titles:

• IBO Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)

Regional/International Titles:

• WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• NABF Super Flyweight Champion (115 lbs)
• WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight Champion (118 lbs)

In popular culture[link]

Donaire had TV guest appearances and joined the third season of Celebrity Duets episodes on GMA.^[4]

Donaire is also featured in the videogame Fight Night Round 4.^[61]

Recognitions[link]

• 2007 & 2011 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Sportsman of the Year^[62]
• 2007 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 5 against Vic Darchinyan)
• 2007 The Ring Upset of the Year (5th Round Knockout against Vic Darchinyan)
• 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame Most Outstanding Boxer of the Year
• 2009, 2010 & 2011 Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial Boxer of the Year
• 2011 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Fernando Montiel)
• 2011 Sports Illustrated Knockout of the Year^[63]
• 2011 ESPN Knockout of the Year^[64]

See also[link]

• List of current world boxing champions
• List of Filipino boxing world champions
• List of WBA world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of IBF world champions
• List of WBO world champions
• List of IBO world champions
• List of flyweight boxing champions
• List of super flyweight boxing champions
• List of bantamweight boxing champions
• List of boxing triple champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• The Ring pound for pound

Notes[link]

References[link]

This article uses bare URLs for citations. Please consider adding full citations so that the article remains verifiable. Several templates and the Reflinks tool are available to assist in formatting. (Reflinks documentation) (November 2011)

External links[link]

• Official website of Nonito Donaire
• Professional boxing record for Nonito Donaire from BoxRec
• Nonito Donaire on Twitter
• Nonito Donaire on Facebook

Roy Jones, Jr.
Statistics
Real name	Roy Levesta Jones Jr.
Nickname(s)	Junior Superman RJ Captain Hook
Rated at	Middleweight Super Middleweight Light Heavyweight Heavyweight Cruiserweight
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Reach	74 in (188 cm)
Nationality	American
Born	(1969-01-16) January 16, 1969 (age 43) Pensacola, Florida, USA
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	63
Wins	55
Wins by KO	40
Losses	8
Draws	0
No contests	0
Medal record Men's Boxing Silver 1988 Seoul Korea Light-Middleweight

Roy Jones, Jr. (born January 16, 1969) is an American professional boxer. As a professional, he has captured numerous world titles in the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He is the only boxer in history to start his career as a light middleweight (154 lbs) and go on to win a heavyweight title.

Jones left his mark in boxing history when he won the WBA Heavyweight title, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in 106 years. Jones was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 1990s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.^[1]

Boxing career[link]

Amateur career[link]

Jones won the 1984 United States National Junior Olympics in the 119 lb (54 kg) weight division, the 1986 United States National Golden Gloves in the 139 lb (63 kg) division and the 1987 United States National Golden Gloves in the 156 lb (71 kg) division. As an amateur, he ended his career with a 121–13 record.

Jones represented the United States at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, where he won the silver medal.^[2] He dominated his opponents, never losing a single round en route to the final. His participation in the final was met with controversy when he lost a 3–2 decision to South Korean fighter Park Si-Hun despite pummeling Park for three rounds, landing 86 punches to Park's 32.^[2] Allegedly, Park himself apologized to Jones afterward and the referee told Jones that he was dumbstruck by the judge's decision.^[3] One judge shortly thereafter admitted the decision was a mistake and all three judges voting against Jones were eventually suspended. An official IOC investigation concluding in 1997 found that three of the judges were wined and dined by South Korean officials. This led to calls for Jones to be awarded a gold medal, but the IOC still officially stands by the decision, despite the allegations. Jones was awarded the Val Barker trophy, as the best stylistic boxer of the 1988 games, which was only the third and to this day the last time in the competition's history when the award did not go to one of the gold medal winners. The incident led Olympic organizers to establish a new scoring system for Olympic boxing.

Professional career[link]

On turning professional, he had already sparred with many professional boxers, including NABF Champion Ronnie Essett, IBF Champion Lindell Holmes and Sugar Ray Leonard. Jones began as a professional on May 6, 1989, knocking out Ricky Randall in 2 rounds in Pensacola at the Bayfront Auditorium. For his next fight, he faced the more experienced Stephan Johnson in Atlantic City, beating him by a knockout in round eight.

Jones built a record of 15–0 with 15 knockouts before stepping up in class to meet former World Welterweight Champion Jorge Vaca in a Pay Per View fight on January 10, 1992. He knocked Vaca out in round one to reach 16 knockout wins in a row. After one more KO, Jones went the distance for the first time against future world champion Jorge Castro, winning a 10-round decision in front of a USA Network national audience.

Roy Jones vs. Bernard Hopkins[link]

Jones made his first attempt at a world title on May 22, 1993. He beat future Undisputed Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins by unanimous decision in Washington, D.C. to capture the IBF Middleweight Championship. Jones claimed he had entered the bout with a broken right hand, but still managed to outpoint Hopkins and secure a unanimous decision win. Jones reminded the world of this claim on his hit single "Ya'll Must've Forgot" later in his career. While working for HBO as an analyst for Bernard Hopkins' title defense against Simon Brown, Jones would admit on air that he was 16 pounds heavier than Hopkins on fight night, weighing 180 to Hopkins 163.

For his next fight, he fought another future world champion, Thulane "Sugar Boy" Malinga, in a non-title affair. Jones beat Malinga by knockout in six rounds. Jones finished the year with another win, beating Fermin Chirino by decision. In 1994, Jones beat Danny "Popeye" Garcia by knockout in six, then retained his IBF title against Thomas Tate in two rounds at Las Vegas on May 27.

Roy Jones vs. James Toney[link]

On November 18, 1994, he was set to face undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion James Toney, who was ranked highly in the "pound for pound" rankings. Toney had remained undefeated in 46 bouts and was rated the best in the world at 168 lbs. Billed as "The Uncivil War," Toney vs Jones was heavily hyped. Jones, for the first time in his career, was the underdog.

Over the course of the 12-round unanimous decision, Jones demonstrated his greatness. He danced circles around Toney, landing quick combinations at will, scoring a flash knockdown in the third round. Ring magazine called Jones' performance the most dominant of any big fight in 20 years. Claims that Toney was badly unprepared and dehydrated would surface in the days following the fight. Toney himself would claim in an interview with The Ring magazine that he had taken laxatives and diuretics the day of the weigh-in to make weight.

In 1995, Jones defended his super middleweight title successfully multiple times. He began the year by knocking out Antoine Byrd in round one. He faced former IBF Lightweight Champion Vinny Pazienza and defeated him in round six. He then beat Tony Thornton in round two by KO.

Career from 1996 to 2002[link]

In 1996, Jones maintained his winning ways, defeating Merqui Sosa by knockout in two and future world champion Eric Lucas in round 11. When he boxed Lucas, he became the first athlete to participate in two paid sports events on the same day. He had played a basketball game in the morning and defended his boxing title in Jacksonville, Florida that evening. He also held a press conference in the ring just before the fight, taking questions from a chair in the middle of the ring and defending his choice of Bryant Brannon as his opponenet instead of Frankie Liles, his nemesis from the amateurs. He then defeated Bryant Brannon in a round two TKO.

Roy Jones vs Mike McCallum[link]

In November 1996 at Ice Palace, Tampa, Florida, Jones defeated 40 year old former three-weight world champion Mike McCallum via a shutout decision to win the vacant Interim WBC Light Heavyweight title. Jones was soon upgraded to full champion by the WBC.

Roy Jones vs. Montell Griffin I & II[link]

In 1997 Jones had his first professional loss, a disqualification against Montell Griffin. Griffin was trained by the legendary Eddie Futch, who had taught him how to take advantage of Jones technical mistakes and lack of basic boxing fundamentals. Griffin jumped out to an early lead on Jones but by round 9 Jones was ahead on the scorecards by a point and had Griffin on the canvas early in round nine. But as Griffin took a knee on the canvas to avoid further punishment, Jones hit him twice. Subsequently, Jones was disqualified and lost his title. Jones sought an immediate rematch and regained the World Light Heavyweight title easily, knocking Griffin down within the first 2 minutes 31 seconds of the fight, then ending the fight by knocking Griffin out just over two minutes in with a leaping left hand shot.

1998-2002[link]

In 1998, Jones began by knocking out former Light Heavyweight and future Cruiserweight Champion Virgil Hill (who had already lost his belts to Lineal & WBO Champion Dariusz Michalczewski) in four rounds at Biloxi, Mississippi with a huge right to the body that broke one of Hill's ribs. He followed that with a win against the WBA Light Heavyweight title holder, Puerto Rico's Lou Del Valle, by a decision in 12 on July 18, to unify the WBC and WBA belts. Jones had to climb off the canvas for the first time in his career, as he was dropped in round eight, but continued to outbox Del Valle throughout the rest of the fight and gained a unanimous decision. Jones then followed with a defense against Otis Grant. He retained the crown by knocking Grant out in ten rounds.

Jones began 1999 by knocking out the WBC number one ranked contender at the time, Rick Frazier. After this, many boxing critics started to criticize Jones for fighting overmatched mandatories who few had ever heard of as well as his steadfast refusal to meet Dariusz Michalczewski in a unification bout. Jones answered these calls on June 5 of that year, when he beat the IBF title holder, Reggie Johnson, by a lop-sided 12-round decision to add that belt to the WBC and WBA belts he already owned in the division. Jones dropped Johnson hard in the second round, but backed off and allowed Reggie to finish the fight.

2000 began with Jones easily beating the hard-punching David Telesco via a 12 round decision on January 15, at Radio City Music Hall to retain his titles. Jones reportedly fractured his wrist a few weeks before this fight and fought almost exclusively one-handed. He entered the ring surrounded by the famous group of dancers, The Rockettes. His next fight was also a first-time boxing event for a venue, as he traveled to Indianapolis and retained his title with an 11-round technical knockout over Richard Hall at the Conseco Fieldhouse. A post-fight drug test showed that both Jones and Hall tested positive for androstenedione which was available legally over-the-counter at that time but banned by the IBF. The results of Jones' next two drug tests, which were negative, were sent to the Indiana Boxing Commission. The IBF chose not to take any action against Jones or Hall.^[4][5] Jones ended the year with a 10-round stoppage of undefeated Eric Harding in New Orleans.

In 2001, Jones released Round One: The Album, a rap CD. That year he retained the title against Derrick Harmon by a knockout in ten and against future world champion Julio César González of Mexico by a 12-round unanimous decision.

In 2002, Jones retained his title by knocking out Glen Kelly in seven rounds. After this bout, Jones was controversially awarded The Ring Championship belt, despite Dariusz Michalczewski still being regarded as the Lineal champion in the same weight class.^[6]

Jones then defeated future world champion Clinton Woods by technical knockout. He performed a song from his CD during his ring entrance.

WBA Heavyweight Champion[link]

On March 1, 2003, in Las Vegas,^[7] Roy Jones defeated John Ruiz, the man who defeated an aging Evander Holyfield, for the WBA Heavyweight title. Jones officially weighed in at 193 lb (88 kg)^[8] and Ruiz at 226 lb (103 kg). Jones became the first former Middleweight title holder to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years, though many historians refuse to recognize the accomplishment because Lennox Lewis was the true and Lineal Champion at the time of the bout.^[9] Jones also became the first fighter to start his career as a light middleweight and win a heavyweight title.^[10]

Roy Jones vs. Antonio Tarver[link]

Jones chose to return to the light heavyweight division and on November 8, 2003 he defeated Antonio Tarver to retain The Ring Light Heavyweight Championship and win Tarver's WBC title, as well as the vacant WBA (Super) title.^[11] Jones appeared a lot weaker after coming back down to the light heavyweight division, losing the muscle he gained for the heavyweight fight seemed to have taken a toll on his aging body and his cat-like reflexes appeared diminished. Jones won by majority decision, the judges giving him 117–111,116–112 and 114–114.^[11]

Fall From Grace[link]

Roy Jones vs. Antonio Tarver II & Roy Jones vs. Glen Johnson[link]

On May 15, 2004, Jones faced Tarver in a rematch. Jones was heavily favored to win, but Tarver knocked him down at 1:41 of the second round. Jones had won the first round (Tarver only landed two punches in the first round), but in the second, as Jones tried a combination, he was caught by a big counter left hook from Tarver. Jones got on his feet by the count, but for the first time in his career was ruled unable to continue by referee Jay Nady.

On September 25, 2004, Jones attempted to win the IBF Light Heavyweight title from Glen Johnson in a match in Memphis, Tennessee.^[12] Johnson knocked out Jones 49 seconds into the ninth round. Jones lay on the canvas for three minutes after being counted out.^[13] Johnson was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the knockout (77–75, 77–75, 78–74) and had landed 118 punches to Jones's 75. Jones used the ring's canvas that night as a billboard for his upcoming rap CD, which came out on November 1st.

Roy Jones vs. Antonio Tarver III[link]

After almost a year away from the ring, focusing on training and working as an analyst for HBO Boxing, Jones scheduled a third fight with Antonio Tarver, on October 1, 2005, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, which aired on HBO PPV. For only the second time in his career, Jones was considered an underdog going into the fight. Tarver won by unanimous decision (117–111, 116–112, 116–112).

Fallout with HBO[link]

After the loss in the third Tarver bout, Jones resumed his duties as a commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing, calling the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Sharmba Mitchell fight on November 19, 2005 and the Jermain Taylor-Bernard Hopkins rematch on December 3, 2005. His return to the network was short lived, as Jones was let go from his ringside analyst role in January 2006. HBO cited his reported lack of commitment to attending the network's production meetings.^{[citation needed]}

Comeback Trail[link]

Back to winning ways[link]

Jones took on Prince Badi Ajamu on July 29, 2006, at the Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho. Jones defeated Ajamu by a unanimous decision, winning the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title.^[14]

Next up for Jones was the undefeated Anthony Hanshaw, on July 14, 2007, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi. Hanshaw was knocked down in the 11th round.^[15] Jones won the bout by unanimous decision.

Roy Jones vs. Félix Trinidad[link]

On January 19, 2008, Jones faced former 147 and 154 pound five-time world champion Félix Trinidad at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The bout was fought at a catchweight of 170 lbs.^[16] Jones had a noticeable size and speed advantage, and in round seven, a short right hand to the temple dropped Trinidad to his knees.^[17] Jones fired a combination in the tenth round to send Trinidad down once more.^[18] Jones won the fight by scores of 117–109 and 116–110 (twice).^[19] This was the first time a former Heavyweight Champion returned to fight successfully at 170 lbs.

Roy Jones vs. Joe Calzaghe[link]

After Joe Calzaghe's split from promoter Frank Warren, it was officially announced that Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe had reached an agreement to fight for the The Ring Light Heavyweight Championship in New York City at Madison Square Garden on September 20, 2008 on HBO PPV. However, Calzaghe claimed injury to his right hand in training, so the fight had to be postponed a couple of weeks, with November 8 being set as the new date. Calzaghe was knocked down by an accidental forearm and cut on the bridge of the nose in the first round. Calzaghe resumed control almost immediately and dominated Jones throughout the remainder of the fight. Calzaghe toyed with Jones and mocked him from the center of the ring, daring Jones to try and hit him and then countering with fast combinations. The Welshman opened a cut over Jones' left eye. Jones' corner, who had never seen Roy cut before, didn't know how to properly handle the situation. Blood covered the left side of Jones' face. Ultimately, Jones lost by unanimous decision, winning only 2 rounds on the 3 official judges cards.

Recent fights (2009)[link]

Jones defeated Omar Sheika on March 21, 2009, via fifth-round technical knockout. Sheika had previously defeated Glen Johnson, who had knocked out Jones in 2004. On August 15, 2009, Jones beat former Super Middleweight Champion Jeff Lacy in 10 rounds after Lacy's corner stopped the fight. Lacy had never been knocked out or stopped before.

In December 2009, Roy Jones was set to face Australian boxer Danny Green in Sydney, Australia. In the weeks leading up to this fight, there were reports in the newspapers indicating difficulties getting Roy's sparring partners into Australia.^[20] Then on December 2, 2009, following an extensive pre-fight delay due to hand wrap protests, Danny Green defeated Jones in a first round TKO.

Roy Jones vs. Bernard Hopkins II[link]

Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins met in a rematch bout, on April 3, 2010 in Las Vegas. After going the distance, Hopkins was awarded with a unanimous decision.

Roy Jones vs. Denis Lebedev[link]

On May 21, Jones travelled to Russia to face Denis Lebedev, who had just come off a controversial split decision loss to Marco Huck. Weighing in at 198 lbs, Jones looked slow and old. Despite this, he gave a decent showing and was heading for at least a majority decision loss at the beginning of the 10th round. However, with less than 20 seconds remaining, Lebedev landed a big right followed by an uppercut. Jones, having bent down holding his head and in no position to continue, was then hit by a final big right hand as Steve Smoger hesitated to stop the fight. Jones lay on the canvas for several minutes before getting up.

Roy Jones vs. Max Alexander[link]

Jones won a 10-round unanimous decision against Max Alexander on December 10, 2011 in Atlanta, snapping a three-match losing streak, and winning the UBO Intercontinental Cruiserweight Championship.

Roy Jones vs. Dawid Kostecki[link]

Jones will face Dawid Kostecki in a ten round bout at Atlas Arena, Poland on June 30th. The bout will be in the cruiserweight division at a contracted weight limit of 185 pounds.^[21]

Professional boxing record[link]

55 Wins (40 knockouts, 15 decisions), 8 Losses (4 knockouts, 3 decisions, 1 disqualification), 0 Draws[22]
Res.	Record	Opponent	Type	Rnd. Time	Date	Location	Notes
Win	55–8	Max Alexander	UD	10	2011-12-10	Civic Center, Atlanta, Georgia	Won vacant UBO Intercontinental Cruiserweight title.
Loss	54–8	Denis Lebedev	KO	10 (10), 2:58	2011-05-21	Krylatskoe Sport Palace, Moscow
Loss	54–7	Bernard Hopkins	UD	12	2010-04-03	Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Loss	54–6	Danny Green	TKO	1 (12), 2:02	2009-12-02	Acer Arena, Sydney, New South Wales	For IBO Cruiserweight title.
Win	54–5	Jeff Lacy	RTD	10 (12), 3:00	2009-08-15	Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi	Retained WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title.
Win	53–5	Omar Sheika	TKO	5 (12), 1:45	2009-03-21	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida	Won vacant WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title.
Loss	52–5	Joe Calzaghe	UD	12	2008-11-08	Madison Square Garden, New York, New York	For The Ring Light Heavyweight title.
Win	52–4	Félix Trinidad	UD	12	2008-01-19	Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Win	51–4	Anthony Hanshaw	UD	12	2007-07-14	Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi	Won vacant IBC Light Heavyweight title.
Win	50–4	Prince Badi Ajamu	UD	12	2006-07-29	Qwest Arena, Boise, Idaho	Won WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title.
Loss	49–4	Antonio Tarver	UD	12	2005-10-01	St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida	For The Ring, IBO & vacant NBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Loss	49–3	Glen Johnson	KO	9 (12), 0:48	2004-09-25	FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee	For IBF Light Heavyweight title.
Loss	49–2	Antonio Tarver	TKO	2 (12), 1:41	2004-05-15	Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada	Lost WBC, WBA (Super), IBO, IBA & The Ring Light Heavyweight titles. For vacant WBF & vacant NBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	49–1	Antonio Tarver	MD	12	2003-11-08	Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained The Ring & IBO and won WBC and vacant WBA (Super) Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	48–1	John Ruiz	UD	12	2003-03-01	Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won WBA Heavyweight title.
Win	47–1	Clinton Woods	TKO	6 (12), 1:29	2002-09-07	Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon	Retained WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, IBO, NBA, WBF, IBA & The Ring Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	46–1	Glen Kelly	KO	7 (12), 1:55	2002-02-02	American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida	Retained WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, IBO, NBA, WBF & IBA Light Heavyweight titles. Awarded vacant The Ring Light Heavyweight title.
Win	45–1	Julio César González	UD	12	2001-07-28	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California	Retained WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, IBO & NBA and won WBF & vacant IBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	44–1	Derrick Harmon	RTD	10 (12), 3:00	2001-02-24	Ice Palace, Tampa, Florida	Retained WBC, WBA (Super), IBF & IBO and won NBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	43–1	Eric Harding	RTD	10 (12), 3:00	2000-09-09	New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana	Retained WBC, WBA & IBF and won IBO Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	42–1	Richard Hall	TKO	11 (12), 1:41	2000-05-13	Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana	Retained WBC, WBA & IBF Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	41–1	David Telesco	UD	12	2000-01-15	Radio City Music Hall, New York, New York	Retained WBC, WBA & IBF Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	40–1	Reggie Johnson	UD	12	1999-06-05	Grand Casino Biloxi, Biloxi, Mississippi	Retained WBC & WBA and won IBF Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	39–1	Richard Frazier	TKO	2 (12), 2:59	1999-01-09	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida	Retained WBC & WBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	38–1	Otis Grant	TKO	10 (12), 1:18	1998-11-14	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut	Retained WBC & WBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	37–1	Lou Del Valle	UD	12	1998-07-18	The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York	Retained WBC and won WBA Light Heavyweight titles.
Win	36–1	Virgil Hill	KO	4 (12), 1:10	1998-04-25	Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Win	35–1	Montell Griffin	KO	1 (12), 2:31	1997-08-07	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut	Won WBC Light Heavyweight title.
Loss	34–1	Montell Griffin	DQ	9 (12), 2:27	1997-03-21	Trump Taj Mahal Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey	Lost WBC Light Heavyweight title. Disqualified for hitting a downed opponent.
Win	34–0	Mike McCallum	UD	12	1996-11-22	Ice Palace, Tampa, Florida	Won interim WBC Light Heavyweight title.
Win	33–0	Bryant Brannon	TKO	2 (12), 2:23	1996-10-04	The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York	Retained IBF Super Middleweight title.
Win	32–0	Eric Lucas	RTD	11 (12), 3:00	1996-06-15	Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida	Retained IBF Super Middleweight title.
Win	31–0	Merqui Sosa	TKO	2 (12), 2:36	1996-01-12	Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Win	30–0	Tony Thornton	TKO	3 (12), 0:45	1995-09-30	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida	Retained IBF Super Middleweight title.
Win	29–0	Vinny Pazienza	TKO	6 (12), 2:58	1995-06-24	Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey	Retained IBF Super Middleweight title.
Win	28–0	Antoine Byrd	TKO	1 (12), 2:06	1995-03-18	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida	Retained IBF Super Middleweight title.
Win	27–0	James Toney	UD	12	1994-11-18	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Won IBF Super Middleweight title.
Win	26–0	Thomas Tate	TKO	2 (12), 0:30	1994-05-27	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada	Retained IBF Middleweight title.
Win	25–0	Danny Garcia	KO	6 (10), 2:59	1994-03-22	University of West Florida Field House, Pensacola, Florida
Win	24–0	Fermin Chirino	UD	10	1993-11-30	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida
Win	23–0	Thulani Malinga	KO	6 (10), 1:57	1993-08-14	Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Win	22–0	Bernard Hopkins	UD	12	1993-05-22	Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington D.C., Washington	Won vacant IBF Middleweight title.
Win	21–0	Glenn Wolfe	TKO	1 (10), 2:23	1993-02-13	Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
Win	20–0	Percy Harris	TKO	4 (12), 3:00	1992-12-05	Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey	Won vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight title.
Win	19–0	Glenn Thomas	TKO	8 (10), 3:00	1992-08-18	Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida
Win	18–0	Jorge Castro	UD	10	1992-06-30	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida
Win	17–0	Art Serwano	KO	1 (10), 1:40	1992-04-03	Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada
Win	16–0	Jorge Vaca	KO	1 (10), 1:45	1992-01-10	Paramount Theatre, New York, New York
Win	15–0	Lester Yarbrough	KO	8 (10), ?	1991-08-31	Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida
Win	14–0	Kevin Daigle	TKO	2 (10), ?	1991-08-03	Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida
Win	13–0	Eddie Evans	TKO	3 (10), ?	1991-04-13	Pensacola, Florida
Win	12–0	Ricky Stackhouse	KO	1 (10), 0:46	1991-01-31	Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida
Win	11–0	Reggie Miller	TKO	5 (10), ?	1990-11-08	Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida
Win	10–0	Rollin Williams	KO	4 (10), 2:56	1990-09-25	Pensacola, Florida
Win	9–0	Tony Waddles	KO	1 (10), 2:02	1990-07-14	Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida
Win	8–0	Ron Johnson	KO	2 (10), 2:28	1990-05-11	Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida
Win	7–0	Knox Brown	TKO	3 (10), 2:20	1990-03-28	Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida
Win	6–0	Billy Mitchem	TKO	2 (8), 2:57	1990-02-28	Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida
Win	5–0	Joe Edens	KO	2 (8), ?	1990-01-08	County Fairgrounds, Mobile, Alabama
Win	4–0	David McCluskey	TKO	3 (8), 2:00	1989-11-30	Bayfront Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida
Win	3–0	Ron Amundsen	TKO	7 (8), 2:43	1989-09-03	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida
Win	2–0	Stephan Johnson	TKO	8 (8), 2:04	1989-06-11	Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Win	1–0	Ricky Randall	TKO	2 (8), 2:46	1989-05-06	Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida

Titles in boxing[link]

Major World Titles:

• IBF Middleweight Champion (160 lbs)
• IBF Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)
• WBC Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• WBA Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• IBF Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• WBA Heavyweight Champion (+200 lbs)
• (2) WBC Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• (2) WBA Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)

Minor World Titles:

• IBO Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• NBA Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• WBF Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• IBA Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• IBC Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)

The Ring/Lineal Championship Titles:

• The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)

Regional/International Titles:

• WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)
• WBO NABO Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• (2) WBO NABO Light Heavyweight Champion (175 lbs)
• UBO Intercontinental Cruiserweight Champion (200 lbs)

Personal life[link]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2011)

Roy Jones, Jr., was born in Pensacola, Florida,^[23] to two very different parents. His mother, Carol, was warm and easy-going, whereas his father, Roy Sr., was much like a Marine Drill Instructor with respect to his son. A decorated Vietnam veteran, ex-club fighter and retired aircraft engineer who had taken up hog farming, Roy Sr. was hard on his son from early on, taunting the child, ``sparring'` with him, enraging Roy Jr., yelling at him and beating the child, often for 20 minutes at a time. This behavior never really changed; if anything it became more brutal as Roy Jr. grew up. Many people would call the father's treatment out-and-out abuse, but he believed he had a good reason for it: to make Roy Jr. tough enough to be a champion. In this pursuit, he was relentless and Roy Jr. lived in constant fear of his father's verbal and physical violence against him.^{[citation needed]}

Jones described his childhood in Sports Illustrated: ``After a while I didn't care about gettin' hurt or dyin' anymore. I was in pain all day, every day, I was so scared of my father. He'd pull up in his truck and start lookin' for something I'd done wrong. There was no escape, no excuse, no way out of nothin'. ... Getting' hurt or dyin' might've been better than the life I was livin'. ... Used to think about killin' myself anyway.'` There's no way to know whether or not Jones would have become a world champion fighter without this extremely punitive upbringing, but there's little question it toughened the young man.^{[citation needed]}

Roy Sr. ran his own boxing gym, to which he devoted all his available time and financial resources. He offered direction and useful discipline to numerous youths and steered many of them away from trouble. Roy Sr. did everything possible to expand the program and help more kids. But towards his own son he was merciless, driving Roy Jr. to the brink of exhaustion, screaming at him in front of all the other fighters, assaulting him. Roy Sr.'s father had been a hard-working laborer and had been tough on him the way he was on Roy Jr. But Jones, the world champion boxer, will not continue this line of treatment. He is very attuned to others' anguish; on his web site, he says, ``What gets [me] down?'` is watching other people be hurt and mistreated.'` It is a feeling he has known very well.^{[citation needed]}

Using his birds as an image for his own predicament, Jones said in the same Sports Illustrated piece: ``I spent all my life in my dad's cage. I could never be 100 percent of who I am until I left it. But because of him, nothing bothers me. I'll never face anything stronger and harder than what I already have.'` Jones' father, with his overbearing and overwhelming personality, had created a powerful craving in the boxer—the need to become his own man.

Former Heavyweight Champion George Foreman said Jones, "hits like a heavyweight and moves like a lightweight."

Boxer Montell Griffin, who faced Jones twice at 175 lbs and sparred with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at 140 lbs said, "Floyd was no comparison as far as speed. Roy was much faster."

In 1996, High Frequency Boxing's John DiMaio wrote ``The early evidence points toward the real possibility that Jones is the greatest talent this sport has ever seen. His skill so dwarfs that of his nearest ranked opposition...that providing competitive opponents is a more challenging dilemma than the fights themselves.'` The expert opinion of Boxing magazine's editor, Bert Sugar, is provided on Jones' website: ``He possesses the fastest hands in boxing with lightning fast moves and explosive power in both hands.'` After Mike MacCallum lost the World Boxing Council light heavyweight crown to Roy Jones in a 1996 unanimous decision, he called Jones ``the greatest fighter of all time.'`

Awards[link]

Selected Awards: Ring Sports Magazine—1993 Fighter of the Year; 1995 Man of the Year; 1996 Sportsman of the Year. Ring, Boxing Illustrated, and Boxing Scene magazines—1994 Fighter of the Year. International Boxing Federation—1995 Fighter of the Year and 1995 Fighter of Unlimited Potential. ESPN ESPY Award—1995 Boxer of the Year. The Sports Network-Boxer of the Decade. Boxing Illustrated's Budweiser ratings, June 1995 onward—Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World. March of Dimes—1995 Honorary Chairman. KO—1996 Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World and 1996 Best Fighter in the World. Congress of Racial Equality—1996 Outstanding Achievement Award. American Association for the Improvement of Boxing (the Marciano Foundation)--1996 Humanitarian of the Year. Boxing 1996—Best Pound-for Pound Fighter in the World. Harlem Globetrotters—Honorary Ambassador of Goodwill (1997). Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission—1997 Olive Branch Award, for humanitarianism.

Music career[link]

Jones started his rap music career in 2001 with his album, titled Round One: The Album and the debut single, "You all Must've Forgot". In 2004, Jones formed a group – Body Head Bangerz and released an album. The album, Body Head Bangerz: Volume One, featured B.G., Juvenile, Bun B of UGK, Petey Pablo, Lil' Flip and Mike Jones among others.

Discography[link]

Album[link]

With Body Head Bangerz[link]

Solo singles[link]

• 2001: "Y'all Must've Forgot"
• 2001: "And Still"
• 2009: "Battle of the Super Powers"

Featured singles[link]

• 2004: "Can't Be Touched"

Filmography[link]

• Married... with Children, Torch Song Duet (1996) – himself^[24]
• The Devil's Advocate (1997) – uncredited^[24]
• New Jersey Turnpikes (1999) – unknown^[24]
• The Wayans Brothers, Rope-a-Dope (1999) – himself^[24]
• The Matrix Reloaded (2003) – Captain Ballard^[24]
• Enter The Matrix (2003) – Captain Ballard^[24]
• Cordially Invited (2007) – Lenny Banks^[24]
• Universal Soldier: A New Dimension (2012)^[24]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Professional boxing record for Roy Jones, Jr. from BoxRec
• Roy Jones Jr's Official Blog
• Roy-Jones.net
• Roy Jones Jr. Fight-by-Fight Career Record
• Boxing-Encyclopedia
• "One Tough Bird" – a 1995 Sports Illustrated feature article by Gary Smith.