Leroy Jones

Leroy Jones, born on February 10, 1950, in Meridian, Mississippi, emerged as a notable figure in the heavyweight boxing scene during the 1970s and early 1980s. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches with a reach of approximately 80 inches, Jones possessed a formidable physical presence in the ring.

Before turning professional, Jones achieved significant success in the amateur circuit. After relocating to Brooklyn, New York, he secured two New York Golden Gloves Championships: the 1971 Heavyweight Sub-Novice Championship and the 1972 Heavyweight Open Championship.

Jones made his professional debut on July 30, 1973, delivering a third-round technical knockout against John Scroggins in Cheyenne.

He built an impressive record over the next several years, remaining undefeated in his first 25 bouts. A highlight of his career came on August 19, 1978, when he faced Mike Weaver at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas for the vacant NABF Heavyweight Title. Jones secured a unanimous decision victory over Weaver, who would later become a world heavyweight champion.

On March 31, 1980, Jones challenged Larry Holmes for the WBC World Heavyweight Title at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Despite a valiant effort, Jones suffered his first professional defeat, losing by technical knockout in the eighth round.

This bout was notable as it was part of a championship boxing tripleheader broadcast live on ABC-TV.

Following the loss to Holmes, Jones experienced a detached retina, which led to a temporary retirement from boxing.

After a period away from the sport, he returned to the ring for his final professional bout on August 26, 1982, against Jeff Sesis Center in Gary, Indiana. Jones concluded his career on a positive note, securing a second-round technical knockout victory.

Throughout his nine-year professional career, Jones compiled a record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 13 victories coming by way of knockout. His career was marked by notable victories and a commendable resilience, particularly in his ability to compete at the highest levels of the heavyweight division. Jones passed away on July 11, 2010, at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy as a skilled and determined heavyweight contender.