BOXING: Roy Jones, step right up

By Joey G. Boxinginsider.com Columnist

Roy Jones is a barker and he’s had his share of selling out seats for his exhibitions. Lately, it seems the number of people buying in to his little masquerade are becoming less and less.

STEP RIGHT UP!

Those are the words spoken by the carnival barker imploring people walking by to buy tickets to an exhibition. Promising a night of entertainment the likes no one has ever seen.

This reporter has been upset at Roy for several years at his “Business Tactics” Upset at the gall in declaring his right as pound for pound champion after fighting a succession of hand-picked “tomato cans.”

Last week, he strutted his stuff like a barnyard rooster. The big “Bully” in a schoolyard fight. At the end of his most recent match, Jones declared himself “People Champion.” Give me a break!!

I couldn’t understand the audience, cheering at his flurries and his theatrics, forsaking the basic premise on which boxing has been based and buying into this sham. All the while, Jones smirking, returning to his corner, never once concerned of his opponent, knowing his “tomato can” will soon be disposed. His partner in this crime, continued to provide the images to these “setups” which are now bordering mockery of the sport.

Boxing Aficionados, Roy Jones is not totally to blame. Consider this: If Roy Jones is bordering mockery of boxing, he’s already completed making idiots of HBO. HBO is paying this guy thirty million dollars and allowing him and that mediocre featherweight buddy of his Derrick Gainer, to continue their masquerade. It is paying him to be the “straight man” while HBO plays the “Buffoon”. It is beyond me what these so-called in-the-know Network Executives consider entertainment. HBO is a willing accomplice, no matter how much its frustrated Commentators try to deny. Making a feeble attempt to embrace the viewing audience by agreeing with its growing public outcry. Jones’ road show would have folded up its tents along time ago, if it hadn’t been for what another famous tent dweller stated years ago; “There’s a sucker born every minute”. It appears HBO is playing a duel role: sucker and buffoon.

Article courtesy of Boxinginsider.com