Roy Jones Jr. dismisses Floyd Mayweather from his Top 5, sparks heated debate [VIDEO]
Roy Jones Jr. Sparks Controversy: Mayweather Not in His Top 5
Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. ignited a firestorm this week by declaring Floyd Mayweather Jr. does not rank among his top five boxers of all time. During an appearance on the YouTube show “Ring Champs with AK & Barak,” Jones argued that Mayweather never faced an opponent who was his true equal. Additionally, he accused the undefeated champion of strategic matchmaking.
“He never fought a boxer that was his equal,” Jones said in the now-viral clip, which has amassed over 382,000 views on X (formerly Twitter) as of today (July 17). He specifically cited names like Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya as examples of elite fighters Mayweather faced only after their prime years. Jones also added that he remains open to fighting Mayweather. He said a real, sanctioned bout: “No exhibition. I want a real fight.”
A Tale of Two Legends
Roy Jones Jr. (66-10) is widely regarded as one of the most athletic and fearless fighters in boxing history. He won world titles in multiple weight divisions. Therefore, famously capturing the WBA heavyweight title in 2003 after moving up from middleweight. Floyd Mayweather Jr., on the other hand, is celebrated for his perfect 50-0 record, five-division titles, and unmatched defensive skill.
Mayweather’s resume includes wins over more than 20 world champions. However, critics like Jones argue that he timed those fights advantageously. Pacquiao, De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and even Canelo Alvarez (who was only 23 when he faced Mayweather in 2013) are frequently cited as fights that came at favorable moments for Floyd.
Mayweather has not responded publicly in full. However, he did post Instagram Stories featuring clips of Jones being knocked out in past fights. Therefore, intensifying the feud.
Fan Reactions: Polarized and Passionate
The boxing world is sharply divided. Supporters of Jones point to his daring fights against Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, and John Ruiz, emphasizing that Jones never shied away from a challenge. Critics of Mayweather echo these sentiments:
“Roy’s right… Floyd’s resume comes up short for the top GOAT slots, because it’s not just about who you beat, but WHEN.” – @WordSmith
“Mayweather fought the right names at the wrong times. He never took the same risks Roy did.” – @M_A_N_ofLetters
Others quickly leapt to Mayweather’s defense:
“Floyd fought whoever they put in front of him and made elite fighters look average… 50 have tried and 50 have failed.” – @iam_trollking
“Zab Judah, Corrales, De La Hoya—Floyd fought his equals and beat them. His IQ is unmatched.” – @EricsElectrons
The debate reignited older hypotheticals: Would Sugar Ray Leonard beat Floyd in his prime? Would Jones have overwhelmed Mayweather if they fought at a catchweight?
Legacy: Greatness Is Subjective
This dispute reflects the eternal dilemma in boxing: What defines greatness? For some, it’s daring to be great by fighting dangerous opponents regardless of timing. For others, it’s dominance, precision, and longevity. Mayweather’s 50-0 record, record-setting defensive stats, and massive PPV earnings ($1 billion+ career) solidify his place in many top-5 lists.
But Jones’ critique isn’t without merit. Between 2008 and 2010, Mayweather skipped over dangerous opponents like Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams. He also caught Mosley and Pacquiao in the twilight of their careers. On the other hand, Jones’ aggressive matchmaking led to late-career knockouts that many believe hurt his legacy.
Still, Jones’ resume of moving from middleweight to heavyweight is an unparalleled feat in modern boxing.
Real Fight or Just Talk?
Jones emphasized that his challenge to Mayweather isn’t for exhibition purposes but for a real fight. Both fighters are well into retirement—Jones last fought in 2020 (an exhibition vs. Mike Tyson), while Mayweather has only participated in exhibitions since 2017.
Would a real fight happen in 2025? Highly unlikely. But the very suggestion fuels a lucrative “what if” scenario for fans and promoters alike.
Generational Divide: Then vs. Now
The heated discussion between Jones and Mayweather is also a reflection of a broader generational divide in boxing fandom. For older fans who grew up in the 80s and 90s, boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Roy Jones Jr. embody an era of warriors who were willing to take on all comers. These fans often view today’s era—with its prolonged negotiations, promotional politics, and emphasis on undefeated records—with skepticism.
In contrast, younger fans often see Mayweather’s approach as the smart evolution of the sport. His ability to control fight outcomes outside the ring—picking dates, opponents, and promotions—represented a shift in fighter empowerment. The blueprint Floyd created has been followed by modern stars like Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis.
This generational lens adds nuance to the Jones vs. Mayweather debate. To some, Floyd’s career is an example of mastery over every aspect of boxing; to others, it lacks the raw thrill and spontaneity of prior eras. The result is a cultural clash: one that continues to ripple across platforms like X, YouTube, and even barbershop debates.
Conclusion: The Debate Rages On
Roy Jones Jr.’s exclusion of Floyd Mayweather Jr. from his top five has added a new chapter to the ongoing discussion of boxing greatness. While Jones argues for adversity and boldness in legacy-building, Mayweather’s flawless record, discipline, and financial mastery have set him apart as the sport’s ultimate tactician.
Whether driven by personal disdain or genuine criteria, Jones’ comments have reignited debates that span eras, styles, and fan allegiances. As the online chatter intensifies, one thing remains clear: both men are legends. But in the subjective world of boxing, where opinion often outweighs statistics, this feud is far from settled.
Overall, Roy Jones Jr. has continued to focus on simply just boxing. Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather has shifted his focus to his business ventures. For Floyd, while he is passionate about boxing, he’s made it clear his interests are more in business. As a result, his boxing record is more a part of his business marketing strategy. So, there is a major gamble for Floyd when it comes to getting back into the ring.