WHAT IF?: PAYING HOMAGE TO THE GREAT ROY JONES, Jr.
April 18, 2024
BY: SERGIO F. BORGES
The thought of achieving is so misconceiving, I try to put myself in their shoes and realize that it’s just altitude, a high that’s pure bliss. “Now let’s go to Michael Buffer for the particulars and statistics.” This legend was so amazing that I remember Harold Lederman stating, “Jim, it seems that nothing phases him? I can’t recall the last time I scored two consecutive rounds where he didn’t dominate the opponent he was facing!” I wonder if Eric Lucas had any knowledge about the full-court game of basketball Jr. played before the first bell even rang? Throughout his amateur and professional career, his performances were X-Men like, but don’t forget, you will become mortal when you lose that extra step. His God-given gifts deceives, it’s what every pugilist wishes for but never receives. He forgot one thing, Father time one never defeats! That being said, one can’t blame an all-time great, for daring to be greater. It’s that something inside of every athlete, to wanna defeat every elite! Erase the sad images of those final chapters of Jones’s career, and ask yourself, What if?
WHAT IF:
He had retired after defeating Ruiz? I recall Max Kellerman on “First Take” (and I’m going to paraphrase), “Roy is the best I’ve seen with my own eyes. After defeating Ruiz, the odds open 2 to 1 in favor of Jones to beat Iron Mike…this can’t be? You are describing the greatest pugilist the world has ever seen!” Boxrec.com displays his profile picture of the Olympics in Korea. Was he the real deal? You tell me! The scoring for Olympic boxing couldn’t keep up with Roy’s uncanny speed.
WHAT IF:
He bowed-out the night he received his heavyweight dream? I guarantee Roy Jones, Jr. would be on top of everyone’s all-time pound-for-pound list. You catch my drift? Throughout his career his greatness caused many a rift, but if he went out on top I’m sure even “Sugar” Ray Robinson would agree, that kid from Pensacola was beyond anything boxing will ever see. Even though ‘Pretty Boy’ came next, turn back the fantasy clock and I’ll tell any honey, if they met halfway in their primes, Roy would have me bet my ‘Money!’
About the Editor
Army Veteran and former Professional Boxer Simon Ruvalcaba started boxing at the age of ten and Had a 71 fight amateur career which featured a 139 lbs. 1998 8th U.S. Army Boxing Championship out of Camp Casey, Korea and a spot on the prestigious Army Boxing Team at Fort Hood, TX. After a journeyman pro career of 18 fights, which included sparring sessions with many champions and contenders including Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell “Sweat Pea” Whitaker, Simon started writing and has contributed to many publications and websites including fighthype.com, pound4pound.com, Tahoe Daily Tribune (South Lake Tahoe, CA), Nevada Appeal (Carson City, NV). He has also been the Boxing Instructor for Ken Shamrock and The Lions Den and was MMA and Bareknuckle star Paige VanZant’s first boxing coach!
Born and Raised in South Lake Tahoe, California he now resides in Sun Valley, Nevada and spends as much time as possible with his Sons Gabriel and Oscar! Beyond boxing, Simon is an all around sports fanatic and is passionate about the teams that he roots for. Simon also works as a Sportsbook Supervisor for Caesars Sportsbook in Lake Tahoe.
