ROY JONES JR, 46, won his eighth consecutive bout when he overcame a spirited effort from Eric Watkins to win in the sixth round. Unbeaten and untested since he lost to Denis Lebedev in 2011, the veteran’s quest for another world title shot continued at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Many years ago, imagining Jones fighting this level of opposition would have been unthinkable as he tore through all-comers with his own brand of boxing brilliance. Today we see just flashes of that genius – like last night’s fight-ending left hook – that began to fade when Antonio Tarver knocked him out in 2004.
Watkins, an unknown with a record of 12-10-2 (5), gave his all but was out his depth. He had moderate success when attacking his rival’s body, but the power and the speed came from Jones Jnr.
The American star, fading fast but his name still attracts attention, is due to fight former fringe contender Danny Santiago on August 29 in a minor step-up. Jones, who has not held a world title in 11 years, nor won a truly notable fight since defeating Felix Trinidad in 2008, cruised to 62-8 (45) with the hollow victory.
