Rivalry Between Boxing Icons
The rivalry between boxing icons Roy Jones Jr. and Floyd Mayweather continues to escalate, displaying no signs of abating this summer as tensions run high between the two. Recently, Jones voiced his discontent regarding Mayweather’s remarks about legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, implying that Mayweather doesn’t honor the contributions of boxing’s trailblazers.
Jones’ Criticism of Mayweather
In a conversation with Ring Champs, Jones expressed his concern, stating:
“It’s unacceptable that he shows such disregard for the elders in the sport. He mentioned Ali losing to a fighter who was merely 8-0 (Spinks), neglecting that this 8-0 boxer was an Olympian and a significant threat in the ring. If you faced a formidable opponent of that caliber in your weight class, you wouldn’t have taken that fight back then.”
Jones continued, emphasizing the importance of respect in the sport:
“Dismissing Ali, the greatest of all time, indicates a profound lack of respect; if you disrespect him, who else would you show respect to? You should be ready to offer respect, especially when you meet someone like me. If you want to earn it, let’s make that happen. I will earn my respect.”
Personal Feelings and Comparisons
Despite his forthright criticisms, Jones emphasized that his feelings towards Mayweather are not personal, elaborating:
“I’m not one to speak disrespectfully. I stand by what I say because I’m prepared to defend it. This isn’t just talk.”
He further likened this situation to ongoing debates within the basketball community, arguing that while he holds LeBron James in high regard, he personally favors Michael Jordan based on his historical significance. Jones asserted:
“That’s my opinion, and I’m willing to defend it fiercely. If my views bother anyone, they know where to find me.”
Attempts to Diffuse the Situation
In response to the speculation that the argument might escalate to a physical confrontation, Jeff Mayweather, Floyd’s uncle, attempted to diffuse the situation. Speaking on The Mayweather Channel, he rationalized:
“There’s no need for violence. They’ve exchanged words, which is common; it doesn’t necessitate a fight.”
Conclusion
As it stands, the dispute persists in the realm of verbal exchanges rather than physical altercations. However, given boxing’s history of personal grudges evolving into matchups or exhibitions, the possibility for future conflict remains ever-present.
