The BTBC’s "What If" Series: Roy Jones vs. Gerald McClellan (part 2)

Pensacola – It didn’t take long for super-middleweight champion Roy Jones Jr. to handle his mandatory defense. Jones stopped Antoine “T” Byrd in the very first round. After scoring two knockdowns, Jones poured on the offense and referee William Conners had no choice but to step in and halt the bout. Roy retained his version of the wolrd super-middleweight crown, setting the stage for what many believe to be Jones stiffest test yet: a unification bout with the WBC champion Gerald “G-Man” McClellan.

McClellan was ringside, and after the Jones victory expressed his desire to meet Jones later this year. Gerald defeated Nigel Benn in a brutal slugfest in the United Kingdom last month, and despite the toll many feel the bout has taken on him, the G-Man says he’s more than ready for Jones in his next bout if Roy will sign the contract. Jones was content to celebrate his victory and made no definite statement on whether he’ll be willing to meet McClellan or seek other opposition.

It was much easier then everyone anticipated but awaited unification bout between the pound for pound king Roy Jones Jr. and fellow champion Gerald McClellan has been signed, sealed, and delivered. The bout will put both Jones’s IBF and McClellan’s WBC super-middleweight titles on the line at Bally’s in Atlantic City on June 24th.

Many feel that McClellan’s aggressiveness and punching power are just what it will take to deal Jones his first professional defeat, as McClellan defeated Jones in the amateurs. Others feel Jones has too much speed, and Gerald’s aggressive nature is perfect for Jones, who possesses great hand and foot speed as well as one punch stopping power.

Don King was his usual, jovial self at the press conference: “this is the battle of Superman vs. the G-Man. Gerald went into hostile enemy territory to get his title, and Jones has been untouchable but we’re going to see fireworks and eruptions on June 24th. Two American icons under the bright lights of AC dueling for supremacy!”

Then the fighters stepped to the podium:Gerald McClellan: I’m very happy to be meeting Roy again, getting the chance to prove I can fight the best at this weight. I don’t see any ill affects from the Benn fight, it was tough but that’s the way I like my fights. I’m going bring the fight in June”

.Roy Jones Jr.: “Everybody’s making a big deal out of the amateur loss, but this is the pro’s. No one gets the best of Roy Jones twice. I’m just gonna get in there and do what I do and bring a good fight to the fans. Gerald’s a good fighter, but I ain’t giving up my titles”.

June 24th, Atlantic City, N.J.