End of an era

This is never how you want to remember our sport heroes. Hanging on too long, seeing them perform at a level that as fans we aren't use to. Seeing Micheal Jordan for two years in a Wizards uniform was hard to deal with. The lasting image of him taking that game winning shot in the last of his six championships is the image we care to remember. And yet tonight, we watched the Micheal Jordan of boxing maybe hanging on a couple of fights too many. It wasn't that long ago when Roy Jones Jr. made history by stepping up to the heavyweight division and taking a title from a much larger opponent in John Ruiz. Everything he fought for was maginfied in that unanimous 12 round decision. In retrospect, winning the heavy weight title was Jones Jr's lasting image. Cementing his title as the best pound for pound fighter ever. Essentially, being the best ever since Ali. However, just like MJ, Jones Jr. held on a little too long. When you have dominated 4 divisions (light, middle, light heavy, and heavy) and undefeated in those bouts, the only place from there is down. However, just like Jordan and Ali, as fans we ultimaltey don't care. Because forever in our hearts you are always the champ.

I first met Roy Jones Jr. as a young child while visiting my grandmother early in the summer of '88 before the Seoul, Korea Olympics. He was ultimately robbed of a gold medal, which is opponent said he lost the fight to Roy, but that let down fueled the next 17 years of dominance. Before the first Tarver loss, he was disqualified for hitting his opponent that took a knee during mid punch. That only enhanced his legend. But during those years and those divisions, it was an amazing thing to see. I remember "The Mission Continues" stickers and shirts in the early days when I moved to Pensacola. Jones Jr. made opponents look like mere sparing partners. Before HBO, those fights were at the Bayfront Auditorium. Then he moved to fights on ABC. But what impressed me the most, when he made the promise to make his first title defense at home. So when the time came he passed on millions and told HBO to meet him at the Pensacola Civic Center. The entire world tuned into to see the next great champion. Although the fight lasted only about 3 rounds. It felt good to see a home grown product, put his city on his back and start walking. And walk he did, through 4 divisions undefeated. His critcis would say that he didn't fight anyone. Sorry...he was just that much better than everyone else. He beat legends in Vinny P, and dominated a handful of eventual heavy weight champions, including James "Lights Out" Toney. Maybe even more impressive beating Montell Griffin with a broken hand.

But after 3 straight losses, it seems as the sun has set on aa brillant career. Even though he lost a 12 Round decision to Antonio Tarver, it was inspiring to see Roy give it one more try and walking away with a smile on his face. Two guys who literally hated each other since the day they met at 13, walked away with the up most respect for each other. Thanks Roy for representing our city so well, for so long. You'll always be The Champ to us.