Roy Jones Jr to fight former UFC champion Anthony Pettis in professional boxing comeback aged 54 in first bout since Mike Tyson exhibition as he headlines Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing 4 event
Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr will make his professional comeback in April aged 54 when he faces ex-UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
The pair will headline the on April 1 in Wisconsin in a pay-per-view card promoted by UFC welterweight Jorge Masvidal.
Several MMA icons are also taking part in the stacked show including Jose Aldo and Vitor Belfort.
Jones Jr, who won world titles in the middleweight, super-middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, hasn't fought professionally since 2018.
That came against Scott Sigmon when he won on a points decision.
The last time he stepped inside the squared circle was when he fought Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout in November 2020, which ended in a draw.
But Chris Eubank Jr's trainer clearly feels he has unfinished business in the ring and will test himself against boxing novice Pettis.
The 36-year-old has never boxed in the paid ranks or been involved in an exhibition, and goes into the contest on the back of two defeats to Stevie Ray - the last of which came in August.
Most read in sport
Pettis won the UFC lightweight title in August 2013 against Benson Henderson, where he successfully defended the belt once against Gilbert Melendez before losing on points to Rafael dos Anjos.
And he will now pit his wits against Jones Jr - 18 years his senior - in an eight-round affair at the Fiserv Forum.
Commenting on his excitement at the match-up, he said on : "I’m boxing Roy Jones Jr in my hometown April 1.
"Milwaukee I need the whole city to come out!"
Masvidal has expressed his joy at bringing Jones Jr to his event as he declared he has always wanted to work with his American compatriot.
He told the : "I’ve always been a fan of Roy Jones. Always wanted to work with Roy Jones in some capacity.
"He’s going to be fighting someone that inspired me in my career numerous times.
"WEC champion, UFC champion, I think both his wins for the UFC title were finishes.
"[Pettis] has knockouts and finishes at 145, 155, 170, it’s crazy what this guy has done in his career in MMA. Great striker.
"He agreed to fight the walking, living legend, the pound-for-pound king, one of the best fighters, athletes, I’ve ever seen in combat sports, period, versus Anthony Pettis.”