I recently spoke with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. During my conversation Roy had lot of really nice things to say about Pacquiao. Roy is a true legend and a true class act in a sport that can sometimes be littered with corruption and hate. Recently Roy showed what he’s all about by sponsoring USA Boxing’s Southern Association Silver Gloves Tournament in Pensacola, Florida. He spent two days with the kids handing out awards to each fighter win, lose, or draw. Roy paid for the entire event, and took pictures and signed autographs for every fighter, fan, and spectator.
Stan Nichols, a Mississippian who heads up the Association that Roy sponsored had this to say, ” For a guy of Roy’s stature to give back to the kids like this is a great thing to see. I wish more successful fighters would give back like Roy does.”
During my conversation, Manny Pacquiao’s name came up and Roy wasted no time expressing some things. I asked him he if thought the BIG fight wojuld happen, ” I think that fight will happen. Both fighters are amazing. The only issue that I have is the size factor. Floyd is the bigger man. Then again, Manny is a southpaw. I look for a wonderful fight with this one.”
Roy went on and talked about Manny’s character, ” I love this guy to death, to come from where he came from and to rise to where he is at right now is truly amazing. He is my kind of guy, he is a brother in Christ.”
Jones commented on where he thinks Manny ranks all time, ” Manny is at least in the top 3 or 4 of the all time greats in boxing. Some of the things that he has done in boxing are amazing.”
Pacquiao also looks up to Roy Jones Jr. Earlier this year this writer had the honor of being invited to eat dinner with Pacquiao. During the dinner I put Roy Jones Jr on the line for Manny, and both legends had a conversation. Both men were elated and enjoyed a conversation for about 5 minutes. When I told Manny that I had Roy Jones Jr on the phone, his eyes lit up and he smiled. There is obvious respect that both men have for each other.
Both Pacquiao and Jones completely dominated their sport during their era’s. Both men racked up world titles in multiple divisions. In fact, they have a lot in common with each other. It’s good to see two fighters from completely different parts of the world hold such admiration and respect for one another.
