Roy Jones Jr outpointed Algerian Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf in Russia in his first bout in 18 months.
"I want to be ready for Anderson Silva in case he beats Weidman," said Jones before the match with Benmakhlouf. "Silva has made it clear that if he wins, he wants me next. I'm here for him."
Silva will try to regain his UFC middleweight belt next weekend against in a rematch with Chris Weidman next Saturday.
"If it wasn't for Anderson Silva calling me out, I wouldn't be fighting this fight."
Jones, at 44 years old, looked in great physical shape. But obviously he has slowed with age. His sizzling left hooks to the head and body, the primary weapon of choice in his prime, no longer have the same snap or speed. But he didn't have to be his old self against the 36 year old Algerian. Benmakhlouf, limited in both experience and athletic ability, had only one option; advance behind a high guard and hope for one of his feeble swipes to connect on the taunting Jones.
The most eventful round was the third. Jones wobbled Benmakhlouf with a left hook. Benmakhlouf had a delayed reaction to the blow and took a knee to prevent further damage. Jones didn't press the issue in a follow up attack, however.
The future Hall of Famer seemed to lose interest by the late rounds and the decision was never in doubt. The scores were 120-108, 120-107, and 118-111.
Silva will try to regain his UFC middleweight belt next weekend against in a rematch with Chris Weidman next Saturday.
"If it wasn't for Anderson Silva calling me out, I wouldn't be fighting this fight."
Jones, at 44 years old, looked in great physical shape. But obviously he has slowed with age. His sizzling left hooks to the head and body, the primary weapon of choice in his prime, no longer have the same snap or speed. But he didn't have to be his old self against the 36 year old Algerian. Benmakhlouf, limited in both experience and athletic ability, had only one option; advance behind a high guard and hope for one of his feeble swipes to connect on the taunting Jones.
The most eventful round was the third. Jones wobbled Benmakhlouf with a left hook. Benmakhlouf had a delayed reaction to the blow and took a knee to prevent further damage. Jones didn't press the issue in a follow up attack, however.
The future Hall of Famer seemed to lose interest by the late rounds and the decision was never in doubt. The scores were 120-108, 120-107, and 118-111.
Comments
Well done Roy! Is the appetite there for a bout with Steve Collins, because I am sure the interest is from this end of the globe to the other. I would predict a Collins victory, call him out Roy if want a fight!
Pound for pound the best boxer of all time, hands down. Untouchable.
Well done champ still one of the greatest ever in my book