Roy Jones Knocked Out Again: Jones Vs. Green Results Should Signal End to Once Pristine Career

In a fight held in Sydney, Australia, Roy Jones was knocked out in 1 round by Australian fighter Danny Green. The Jones vs. Green match was supposed to be a tune-up bout as Jones prepared to rematch fellow boxing legend Bernard Hopkins.

The two had fought 16 years ago, both still maturing as fighters, and Jones won via decision. That fight is officially nixed, and with it the end of Jones's outstanding career should finally be upon us.

Of course, Roy Jones hasn't been "Superman" for some six plus years, since he moved up to heavyweight and handily beat and outclassed titleholder John Ruiz. Following that fight, he won a close, tough battle against Antonio Tarver. Granting Tarver a rematch, Jones was knocked out in the second round, and was subsequently knocked out cold by Glen Johnson just four months later.

Following the two KO losses, Roy Jones took a year to prepare for a rubber match with Tarver. This time he lost by decision, although he clearly preferred to make it to the final bell standing on his feet than to face too much risk by trying hard to win the encounter.

Jones then won five of his six next bouts, the lone loss coming via the fast hands of Joe Calzaghe. He wasn't Superman, but he was performing well enough that given the lowered expectations he could still compete with the top fighters in and around his weight class.

His semi-rejuvenation led to discussions of the Hopkins rematch, a fight that hinged on both men winning December 2 interim fights. Before Hopkins ever had the chance to move past his obstacle, Enrigue Ornelas, Jones once again was met with a vicious early ending.

Danny Green followed Jones into the corner, and launched a quick straight right hand that appeared to land on the left temple of Jones. Shots to that portion of the head frequently cause knockdowns, as they disrupt a fighter's equilibrium and balance.

Jones plummeted to the canvas and after sprawling around shakily for a moment was eventually able to return to his feet. Green pounced on the injured Jones and feeding off the energetic crowd in his home country unleashed a nonstop barrage for another 30 to 45 seconds until the referee stopped the fight.

The ill-fated comeback of Jones should now come to an official end. Not only is the invincibility of Superman gone, but the respectability of a top level fighter and a big name is now faded permanently as well. For his sake, Jones should walk away from the ring for good, instead getting back into announcing or focusing on his promotional company or other interests.

What should never be lost when looking at the career of Jones is that had he retired in March of 2003, after his successful conquering of John Ruiz, he would be unanimously viewed as one of the top 5 or top 10 boxers to ever step through the ropes.

The four losses, three by knockout, certainly take away from that but do not take away from the greatness of a fighter who went on an unparalleled run of dominance for a stretch of nearly 15 years. During that time he went 48-1, with the sole loss being a DQ, won belts in four divisions, churned out nearly 20 title defenses, beat several Hall of Fame fighters and hardly lost a round.