Gamebred Boxing 4: Anthony Pettis Outpoints Roy Jones Jr. in His Boxing Debut
Former MMA champion Anthony Pettis (1-0, 0 KOs) edged out boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. (66-10, 47 KOs) by majority decision (76-76, 77-75 and 78-74) in the main event of Gamebred Boxing 4, presented by Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing and streamed live on pay-per-view from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis.
Pettis, who was born and raised in Milwaukee, showed his hometown support by entering the ring with a Green Bay Packers jersey. He also showed his respect for Jones Jr., who is widely regarded as one of the best boxers of all time, by touching gloves before the opening bell.
The fight was a competitive and entertaining affair, with both fighters displaying their skills and styles. Jones Jr., who is 54 years old but still has some of his trademark speed and reflexes, used his jab, footwork and angles to create openings and land punches on Pettis. He also taunted and talked to Pettis throughout the fight, trying to get into his head.
Pettis, who was making his professional boxing debut after a successful career in mixed martial arts, where he held titles in UFC and WEC, did not back down from the challenge. He used his kicks, which are allowed under Gamebred Boxing rules, to keep Jones Jr. at bay and score points. He also landed some solid punches to the head and body of Jones Jr., especially in the later rounds.
The fight went the distance, with both fighters raising their hands at the final bell. The judges scored the bout 76-76, 77-75 and 78-74 for Pettis, giving him a majority decision win. Pettis was ecstatic with his victory and praised Jones Jr. for his performance.
“Man, he’s 54 years old, but you’ve got to give it up for this guy,” said Pettis. “He’s a legend in the sport, a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Praise God for allowing me to get this opportunity. Give it up for Roy Jones Jr., man.
“I’m going to take it one fight at a time, take it day by day,” continued Pettis. “I’m 1-0 as a pro and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Jones Jr., who has fought some of the best fighters in history across multiple weight classes, was gracious in defeat and complimented Pettis for his smart fight. He also hinted at a possible rematch.
“For me, I like to come in and entertain the fans. My job is to come in and make sure that the fans get what they paid for, and I’m all good with that. I think it was a good fight. He did a great job and fought a very smart fight. I think I educated him and taught him a lot in this fight. So I think if I fought him again it would be even better because he knows a lot more now. I think it would be a really good rematch.
“I don’t do exhibitions, I fight real fights,” added Jones Jr. “I’m not an exhibition guy, I’m a real guy. I want to win, or I want to lose. But I’m going to go out on my shield, and I want to be able to do it again as many times as I want to. At 54 years old, that’s a beautiful thing, and he already said he’d do it again because one judge had it even. So that’s what we’re looking forward to.”
Gamebred Boxing 4 was a successful event that showcased some of the best talent from both boxing and MMA worlds. It also proved that Anthony Pettis is a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring, and that Roy Jones Jr. still has some fight left in him.
