Jones’ Win Can’t Be Taken at Face Value

The judges had their say. They gave Roy Jones a majority decision over Antonio Tarver on Saturday night, and Tarver’s World Boxing Council light-heavyweight championship.

The Mandalay Bay Events Center crowd of 8,794 had its say, disputing that decision with loud boos as Jones stood on the ropes in one corner, an arm raised in triumph.

But ultimately, Jones’ face said it all. It was a bruised, battered and weary face, the left eye swollen. The man generally considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world took a pounding Saturday night. Of that, there can be no dispute.

Judge Jerry Roth had the fight a draw, 114-114. Judges Glen Hamada (117-111) and Dave Harris (116-112) gave it to Jones.

The Times had it 114-114, as did Associated Press.

Did Jones struggle because he was forced to lose 25 pounds of muscle and bulk to come down from heavyweight for this match? Or did the 34-year-old Jones simply become an old man overnight, as often happens to aging fighters?

Those questions will be answered in ensuing matches.

But there was no question this was not the Jones who had demonstrated in the past the skill and ring command to be acclaimed the best active fighter.

Jones blamed the drastic weight loss following his victory over John Ruiz in March to win the World Boxing Assn. heavyweight title.

“I take my hat off to him,” Jones said of Tarver, “and say that was a hard 25 [pounds] of sweat to lose. It was difficult for me. I got very tired because of the weight. He landed some punches that bruised my eye. It was a tough fight, but I told him I was coming and I came.”

Not with the usual arsenal. Absent were the dazzling combinations that left so many other opponents frustrated and helpless. Jones (49-1, 38 knockouts) rarely connected with more than a single punch, very seldom all night with his left hand.

Missing was the quickness that has enabled Jones to dominate so many previous matches.

Jones would go into a rope-a-dope Saturday night and those who have watched him over the years thought, at first, that he was clowning and would come out of his shell at the opportune moment. But as the rounds piled up, it became obvious Jones was not clowning, that he was up against the ropes because he had no other options.

“I heard 117-111 and I thought surely it was my decision,” Tarver said. “I saw everything coming. I hit Roy flush repeatedly. I think I did my job. I know I won the fight hands down. All you have to do is to look at his face.

“I think I carried myself like a champion. I am the most grossly underrated fighter in boxing today. Roy needs to step up like a man and we need to do it again.”

While he wouldn’t totally rule out a rematch against Tarver, Jones said his preference is to close out his career with a match against former two-time heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

“One mega-dollar heavyweight Tyson [fight] and I am done,” Jones said.

“You say Roy Jones is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” Tarver said. “Then I want to know where I stand.”

Saturday night, he stood in front of Jones, firing punches on occasion at will. And there was nothing Jones could do about it.

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In the semi-main event, International Boxing Federation junior-middleweight champion Winky Wright (46-3, 25) successfully defended his title against Angel Hernandez (26-5, 16), winning by unanimous decision.

But Wright, hoping to lure Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya or another big name into the ring, failed to display the kind of dominating performance he needs to create the demand for such a bout.