Vinny Pazienza Reflects on His Fight with Roy Jones Jr.
Vinny Pazienza, the iconic boxer known for his fierce fighting spirit during the 1980s and 90s, recently shared candid insights about facing the legendary Roy Jones Jr., a bout he entered with the full awareness of its challenging nature. In a discussion with the hosts of All The Smoke Boxing, the retired five-time world champion recounted the substantial financial incentive that led him to accept the fight, revealing a $1.3 million purse that made the risk seem worthwhile.
“When I got the call, I thought, ‘Oh man, here we go — I’m going to get my ass kicked,’” Pazienza admitted.
His primary hope for the match? To land at least one significant hit on the exceptionally skilled Jones, whom he described as “elusive as ice.”
Challenges of Fighting Roy Jones Jr.
Known for his tenacity across multiple weight classes, Paz acknowledged that fighting Jones was a unique challenge.
“He’s incredible, and I believe he remains so even today. You don’t lose that speed, power, or elusiveness. He could still take anyone down now,”
Jones Jr.’s Perspective
Jones Jr. also joined the conversation during the interview, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of their history. He reminisced about how, during his second professional fight, he weighed in at 154 pounds on the undercard while Paz held the main event at 135 against opponent Vinny Burgese.
“Many fighters avoid honesty, but Vinny? He’s always been genuine,”
Jones remarked, emphasizing the respect he has for Pazienza’s forthright nature, especially in the face of adversity.
A Milestone Year for Vinny Paz
This year marked a significant milestone for Vinny Paz, culminating in his long-awaited induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a recognition that many fans and boxing analysts had been advocating for over the years.
About the Author
Phil Jay is an esteemed boxing reporter with a rich background spanning more than 15 years in the sport. As the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, he has conversed with numerous world champions and has been at the forefront of major boxing events.
