Roy Jones Jr.'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Roy Jones Jr.. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Roy Jones Jr. is an American former professional boxer renowned for his exceptional athleticism and versatility. He achieved world championships in four different weight divisions: middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. Representing the United States as an amateur, he secured a silver medal in the light middleweight division at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Jones was known for his unorthodox style, speed, and power, solidifying his legacy as one of boxing's most dynamic and celebrated fighters.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: United States National Junior Olympics

In 1984, Roy Jones Jr. won the United States National Junior Olympics in the 119 lb weight division, showcasing his early talent.

1986: United States National Golden Gloves

In 1986, Roy Jones Jr. won the United States National Golden Gloves in the 139 lb division, marking another significant achievement in his amateur career.

1987: United States National Golden Gloves

In 1987, Roy Jones Jr. won the United States National Golden Gloves in the 156 lb division, further solidifying his reputation as a top amateur boxer.

1988: Seoul Olympic Games

In 1988, Roy Jones Jr. represented the United States at the Seoul Olympic Games in the 156-pound weight class, where he won the silver medal.

1988: 1988 Summer Olympics

In 1988, Roy Jones Jr. represented the United States at the Summer Olympics. He won a silver medal in the light middleweight division.

May 6, 1989: Professional Debut

On May 6, 1989, Roy Jones Jr. made his professional boxing debut, knocking out Ricky Randall in two rounds in Pensacola.

January 10, 1992: Knockout win against Jorge Vaca

On January 10, 1992, Roy Jones Jr. knocked out former World Welterweight Champion Jorge Vaca in round one of a Pay Per View fight.

May 22, 1993: IBF Middleweight Championship

On May 22, 1993, Roy Jones Jr. captured the IBF middleweight championship by defeating Bernard Hopkins via unanimous decision in Washington, D.C.

1994: Continued success in 1994

In 1994, Roy Jones Jr. beat Danny "Popeye" Garcia by knockout in six, then retained his IBF title against Thomas Tate in two rounds at Las Vegas on May 27.

1994: The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year

In 1994, The Ring magazine named Roy Jones Jr. as the Fighter of the Year, recognizing his exceptional performance in boxing.

1995: Successful Super Middleweight Title Defenses

In 1995, Roy Jones Jr. defended his super middleweight title multiple times, including a first-round knockout of Antoine Byrd and a victory over Vinny Pazienza in a fight billed as 'The Devil & Mr Jones'.

November 1996: Wins Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title

In November 1996, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Mike McCallum via decision to win the vacant Interim WBC Light Heavyweight title in Tampa, Florida.

1996: Continued Winning Streak and Multi-Sport Participation

In 1996, Roy Jones Jr. continued his winning ways, defeating Merqui Sosa and Eric Lucas. He also became the first athlete to participate in two paid sports events on the same day, playing basketball and defending his boxing title.

1996: Best Boxer ESPY Award

In 1996, Roy Jones Jr. won the Best Boxer ESPY Award, recognizing his achievements in the sport.

1999: Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion

From 1999 to 2002, Roy Jones Jr. held the undisputed championship at light heavyweight, solidifying his dominance in the division.

1999: Frazier knockout

In 1999 Roy Jones knocked out Rick Frazier, who was the WBC number one ranked contender at the time.

2000: Title Retentions and Unique Venue Fights

In 2000, Roy Jones Jr. started the year by defeating David Telesco at Radio City Music Hall, marking the venue's first fight. He also retained his title against Richard Hall at Conseco Fieldhouse and Eric Harding in New Orleans.

2000: Best Boxer ESPY Award

In 2000, Roy Jones Jr. was awarded the Best Boxer ESPY Award, acknowledging his continued success in boxing.

2002: Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion

From 1999 to 2002, Roy Jones Jr. held the undisputed championship at light heavyweight, solidifying his dominance in the division.

2002: Title Retention against Glen Kelly

In 2002, Roy Jones Jr. retained his title by knocking out Glen Kelly in seven rounds. Before the bout, Jones was awarded The Ring Championship belt.

March 1, 2003: WBA Heavyweight Title Win

On March 1, 2003, Roy Jones Jr. defeated John Ruiz for the WBA Heavyweight title, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years.

November 8, 2003: Defeats Antonio Tarver

On November 8, 2003, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Antonio Tarver to retain the IBO and The Ring Light Heavyweight Championships, win Tarver's WBC title, and win the vacant WBA (Unified) title by majority decision.

2003: WBA Heavyweight Title

In 2003, Roy Jones Jr. made history by winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title. He became the first former middleweight champion to achieve this feat in 106 years.

2003: World Boxing Hall of Fame Fighter of the Year and Best Boxer ESPY Award

In 2003, Roy Jones Jr. was named the Fighter of the Year by the World Boxing Hall of Fame. He also won the Best Boxer ESPY Award. This was his third time winning the ESPY, after previous wins in 1996 and 2000.

July 29, 2006: Victory Over Prince Badi Ajamu

On July 29, 2006, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Prince Badi Ajamu by a unanimous decision at the Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho, winning the WBO NABO light heavyweight title.

July 14, 2007: Victory Over Anthony Hanshaw

On July 14, 2007, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Anthony Hanshaw by unanimous decision at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi, to claim the vacant International Boxing Council light heavyweight title.

January 19, 2008: Victory Over Félix Trinidad

On January 19, 2008, Roy Jones Jr. faced and defeated Félix Trinidad at Madison Square Garden in New York City, marking the first time a former heavyweight champion returned to fight successfully at 170 lbs.

March 21, 2009: Victory Over Omar Sheika

On March 21, 2009, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Omar Sheika via fifth-round technical knockout at the Civic Center in Pensacola, Florida, to claim the vacant WBO NABO light heavyweight title.

August 15, 2009: Victory Over Jeff Lacy

On August 15, 2009, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Jeff Lacy in 10 rounds after Lacy's corner stopped the fight. The fight took place at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi.

December 10, 2011: Victory Against Max Alexander

On December 10, 2011, Roy Jones Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision against Max Alexander in Atlanta, winning the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Intercontinental cruiserweight championship.

December 21, 2013: Victory Over Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf

On December 21, 2013, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf by unanimous decision for the vacant WBU cruiserweight title in Moscow, Russia.

July 26, 2014: Victory Over Courtney Fry

On July 26, 2014, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Courtney Fry via RTD in the 5th round in Latvia.

September 26, 2014: Victory Over Hany Atiyo

On September 26, 2014, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Hany Atiyo via 1st-round KO in Krasnodar, Russia.

August 16, 2015: Victory Over Eric Watkins

On August 16, 2015, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Eric Watkins via 6th-round KO, scoring his 62nd professional victory.

February 17, 2017: Jones defeats Gunn for WBF Cruiserweight Title

On February 17, 2017, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Bobby Gunn in the 8th round to win the vacant World Boxing Foundation cruiserweight title. Gunn suffered a nose injury and was outboxed by Jones throughout the fight.

February 8, 2018: Jones Ends Career with Victory over Sigmon

On February 8, 2018, Roy Jones Jr. defeated Scott Sigmon via unanimous decision, winning the vacant World Boxing Union cruiserweight title in what he announced as his final fight. The judges scored the fight 98-92 in favor of Jones.