On November 8, 2003, Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver faced off at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the WBC, vacant WBA Super, IBO, and Ring Magazine World Light Heavyweight Titles. Jones entered the bout with a record of 48-1-0, while Tarver stood at 21-1-0.
Both fighters weighed in at the division limit of 175 pounds. Promoted by Banner Promotions, Square Ring Inc., and Star Boxing Promotions, the event was broadcast on HBO Pay-Per-View and drew a crowd of 8,794.
Just months after his historic heavyweight title victory over John Ruiz, Jones made the unprecedented move of returning to light heavyweight. In preparation, Jones shed 25 pounds to meet the 175-pound limit, a gruelling process that left him visibly drained at the weigh-in. Despite his status as an 8-1 favourite, the weight cut and its effects became a defining narrative of the fight.
The contest itself was marked by contrasting strategies. Tarver sought to capitalize on Jones’ physical decline, landing 120 of 504 punches (24%), including 73 of 255 power shots (29%). Jones, however, relied on his experience and precision, connecting on 111 of 424 punches (26%) and 94 of 252 power shots (37%). Judges Glen Hamada (117-111) and David Harris (116-112) scored the fight for Jones, while Jerry Roth had it even at 114-114, resulting in a majority decision victory for Jones. Unofficial scorecards were mixed, with The Ring Magazine favouring Jones 116-114 and the New York Daily News scoring it a draw at 114-114. HBO’s unofficial judge, Harold Lederman, scored the bout 116-112 for Jones.
Despite Tarver’s moments of success, particularly in the later rounds as Jones visibly fatigued, he was criticized for not pressing the action more aggressively. This allowed Jones to survive the bout, relying on his ability to adapt under duress. The decision reinforced Jones’ status as one of boxing’s greats, making him the first reigning heavyweight champion to drop down in weight and win a light heavyweight title.
The bout generated 302,000 pay-per-view buys and further cemented Jones’ legacy. However, it also hinted at the physical toll his career had begun to exact. Tarver’s performance, while commendable, set the stage for future encounters between the two, with the rivalry far from settled.
