When Roy Jones Jr defeated John Ruiz to win a world heavyweight title, many felt he should have bowed out on a high rather than risk his legacy. Now, the former multi-weight champion believes it’s time for a modern-day great to consider doing the same.
At his peak, Jones Jr wasn’t just the best fighter in the world — he was untouchable. He handled world-class opponents such as Bernard Hopkins and James Toney with apparent ease, combining blistering speed with power and supreme confidence.
Having conquered middleweight, super-middleweight and the light-heavyweight divisions — where he became the undisputed champion — Jones made the bold move to heavyweight. In 2003, he became the first former middleweight champion in over a century to capture a heavyweight title when he defeated Ruiz.
However, his return to light-heavyweight proved costly. After splitting two fights with Antonio Tarver, Jones was knocked out by Glen Johnson, a defeat that marked the beginning of a steep decline.
Jones Jr, like millions of others, watched as former undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, 63-3-2 (39 KOs), lost his throne to Terence Crawford in September.
The nature of the defeat led some to question whether Canelo should now consider retirement. Over the course of a 68-fight, 20-year career, the Mexican star has amassed 63 wins and claimed multiple world titles across four divisions, from super-welterweight to light-heavyweight.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Jones Jr was asked what he believed Canelo should do next.
“Maybe retire. What else he gotta prove? He’s proved everything, he’s challenged himself, he went as high as he could go, came back down, made a ton of money –– what else he gotta prove?”
Canelo may now be facing the toughest decision any fighter encounters at the end of a glittering career — whether to retire or continue.
