Boxing: Surprise Pounding Leaves Jones Facing Exit

Roy Jones suffered his second knockout defeat this year prompting speculation his career is over. He was counted out in the ninth round in Memphis after being felled by a right cross thrown by the International Boxing Federation world light-heavyweight champion Glen Johnson of Jamaica.

Jones, for many years regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, was clearly outfought before being nailed by a shot that left him on the canvas for several minutes. After almost 15 minutes he left the ring on his feet but was later taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

Johnson got the opportunity to fight Jones when he rejected a chance to face Britain's world super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe and had warned the American he was in the best shape of his life.

Nevertheless, Jones, 35, had hand-picked Johnson because of his supposedly predictable style. It had been assumed in some quarters the once lightning fast Jones would be too technically proficient for his opponent and box his way to a comfortable victory. Johnson was determined he would not adhere to the script. On the biggest night of his life, receiving around $1million (£554,000), Johnson, 35, forced the pace from the outset, working behind a surprisingly effective left jab.

In the opening round he nailed Jones with several solid overhand rights to give clear warning of what was to come. Jones showed only occasional brilliance, notably in the fifth when he fired in some eye- catching combinations. The crowd was jeering his lethargic display by the seventh round when it was clear Johnson was beginning to establish a clear advantage.

Alton Merkerson, Jones's trainer, implored his fighter to step up his work-rate, but Jones was unable to respond and he was floored by Johnson. After a glorious career it was an ignominious finish to what must surely be Jones' final appearance.

"I'll fight any man," said Johnson afterwards, "I'm not the best in the world, I'm just the man who is willing to fight the best."

Now Johnson is being talked up as a potential opponent for the world middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins or Jones's previous conqueror Antonio Tarver. Calzaghe remains another option.

The former world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, who was released from prison in May, made his comeback after eight years and stopped Marcus Rhode after two minutes 45 seconds of the second round of their fight in Shawnee, Oklahoma.