18 years younger, Anthony Pettis surpasses Roy Jones Jr. in 'Boxing of Legends'

Anthony Pettis (left) defeated Roy Jones Jr. in 'Boxing of Legends'. Photo: Reorodução/Instagram

In the main fight of theBoxing of Legends', held this Saturday (1), in Milwaukee (USA), Anthony Pettis had a convincing performance against a true icon of 'noble art'. 18 years younger, the former UFC fighter fought a great battle against the multi-time world champion in the sport, Roy Jones Jr. After eight rounds of contention, 'showtime' was declared the winner in the majority decision of the judges.

With the victory, Pettis was successful in his boxing debut. With a suspended stint in the PFL in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the MMA icon returns to the path of victory in combat sports.

Considered by many to be one of the best boxers of all time, Jones Jr. had a convincing presentation. Even at 54 years old, the multi-time world champion had good moments and showed excellent physical condition after eight rounds of confrontation.

Icon Duel

MMA icon, Pettis surprised by appearing at ease against the former world champion. The fighter walked forward and prevented the veteran from releasing his game. Anthony abused combinations and showed more speed than his rival. The assault ended with an advantage for Anthony, who was not intimidated during the stage.

In the second round, Jones tried to free himself. The athlete walked towards his opponent and tried to take the center of the ring. The veteran scored with jabs, but Pettis didn't leave his opponent unanswered. Even without any injuries, Roy planned a strategy to score points against the former MMA champion. The stage ended with Jr. throwing a straight shot, which exploded onto his opponent's body.

The third round began with Anthony trying to break Jones Jr's block. The veteran saved his attacks and looked for the best moment to strike. With a minute gone, Pettis pressed his opponent against the ropes and launched a tough combination. Roy managed to get away, but remained 'shy' in the confrontation. In the final seconds, Jones let his guard down and tried to induce his opponent to make a mistake. The stage ended with the athletes exchanging attacks close to the ropes.

In the fourth round, the confrontation remained balanced. Facing an opponent with extensive boxing experience, Pettis continued to surprise. Punctuating with jabs and straight shots, Anthony had the advantage in the fight. Throughout the fight, Roy tried to confuse his opponent, lowering his guard, but Pettis showed concentration. At the end of the stage, however, Jones Jr. surprised him with a straight shot that exploded into his opponent's torso.

The fifth round had Pettis taking the initiative, with a combination of jabs and straight shots. The veteran fought from long distance and bet on counterattacks. Near the final minute, Jones started to walk forward and took the initiative. Almost at the end of the stage, Pettis surprised him with a cross. In the final seconds, the athletes studied each other in the center of the ring.

The sixth stage had Anthony starting more aggressive. The fighters rehearsed a frank exchange, with the advantage for Pettis. Anthony let go again and surrounded the veteran. Roy was betting on the counterattack, but he was the victim of his opponent's actions. The stage ended with the athletes exchanging attacks.

The seventh round began with Pettis combining jabs, which ended up in Jones Jr.'s guard. The veteran continued with the plan of counterattacking, and gave room for more points from his opponent. Near the final minute, Anthony shook the former world champion with a cross. Roy recovered well and was trying to respond. Nearing the end of the stage, the athletes started to exchange franks, but there was no more time.

In the last round, Jones Jr. let his guard down again and tried to mislead his opponent. Pettis remained strategic and continued to score with jabs and straight shots. As in the old days, Roy began to provoke the former UFC fighter and dodged his rival's attacks. In the final seconds, Pettis began to press the veteran against the ropes. Jones Jr. managed to get away and the fight was fought again in the center of the ring. The fight ended with pressure from Anthony on the former world champion.

Legends Boxing Results

MAIN CARD 

Heavyweight: Roy Jones Jr. x Anthony Pettis

Heavyweight: Vitor belfort derrotou Ronaldo Jacare in the unanimous decision of the judges (58-54, 58-54, 57-55)

Welterweight Weight: José Aldo tied Jeremy Stephens in the majority decision of the judges (58-56, 57-57, 57-57)

Super Lightweight: Luis Feliciano defeated Clarence Both by unanimous decision (78-74, 77-75, 79-73)

Featherweight: Devin Cushing defeated Damian David Marchiano via TKO at 2:59 of R3

Feather weight: Gina Mazany defeated Pearl Gonzalez via majority decision (57-57, 59-55, 58-56)

Heavyweight: Dillon Clecker defeated Josh Burns via TKO at 1m20s of R1

Bantamweight: Bi Nguyen defeated Andy Nguyen via unanimous decision (39-27, 39-37, 39-37)

PRELIMINARY CARD 

Cruise weight: Markus Maluko defeated Joe Riggs via TKO at 1m19s of R3

Catchweight (up to 61,2kg): Mandeep Jangra defeated Ryan Reber by technical knockout 5m from R2

Welterweight: Cade Howell defeated Christopher Wingate via unanimous decision (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)

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