Roy Jones Jr. is undeniably a legend—an electrifying fighter with generational talent, a Hall of Famer, and one of the most naturally gifted athletes in boxing history. However, his recent string of criticisms directed at Floyd Mayweather Jr. seems less like genuine analysis and more like a thinly veiled effort to settle personal scores—or worse, an attempt to generate headlines in the pursuit of a final payday.
Let’s make one thing clear: Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not above criticism; no fighter is. But when Roy Jones suggests that Mayweather disrespects Muhammad Ali by calling himself the greatest, or claims that Sugar Ray Leonard would easily defeat Floyd, it reeks of resentment rather than legitimate analysis. The irony is staggering coming from someone who once claimed he could have beaten Mike Tyson in his prime. Confidence is important in this sport, but Jones’ selective outrage is impossible to ignore.
Mayweather’s record speaks volumes. He retired with an unparalleled 50-0 record, the best in modern boxing. He fought and defeated every major name of his era, including Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, and even Manny Pacquiao—albeit later than fans wanted. This is not cherry-picking; it’s about dominating multiple weight classes.
When we look at box office appeal, it’s clear that Floyd wasn’t just the best of his time—he was the biggest draw in boxing history. His fights shattered pay-per-view records, filled arenas, and made him the highest-paid athlete in the world at one point. The “Money” moniker wasn’t mere branding; it was a reality grounded in staggering numbers. Regardless of personal feelings, fans flocked to see Mayweather because they recognized his brilliance in the ring.
In stark contrast, Roy’s post-prime career is marred by knockout losses and a string of desperate comeback attempts. There’s no shame in losing—especially in such a brutal sport—but it raises eyebrows when one legend continues to seek fights deep into his 50s while critiquing another who walked away unbeaten, wealthy, and on his own terms.
The bottom line is that Roy’s criticisms are devoid of boxing logic and feel like a self-serving campaign. Whether he’s angling for a fight with Jake Paul, trying to provoke Mayweather into an exhibition, or simply seeking relevance in the current boxing landscape, his intent appears to be more about self-promotion than honoring the sport.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. revolutionized boxing. He mastered defense, turned ring intelligence into an art form, and transformed boxing into a global business empire. One doesn’t have to like his style or persona to acknowledge his place in history. However, attempting to downplay his accomplishments does not elevate the sport; it merely exposes Roy Jones Jr. as bitter.
Roy has nothing left to prove; his legacy is secure. If he chooses to comment on the careers of fellow greats, he should do so with the dignity and insight that a champion possesses—not with the envy of someone still chasing a spotlight that has long since faded.
THE BIZNESS OF BOXING 