Leroy Jones (boxer)

Leroy Jones (February 10, 1950 – July 11, 2010) was a heavyweight boxer who won the NABF heavyweight championship. He challenged Larry Holmes for the WBC heavyweight title in 1980.

Boxing career

Jones' professional career began with a third-round knockout of John Scroggins on July 30, 1973. He put together 24 wins with 12 knockouts, including a 12-round points win over future world heavyweight champion Mike Weaver. The Weaver fight won Jones the NABF heavyweight championship, essentially the American title.

During his professional career it became apparent that Jones had a problem with conditioning, as he fought at weights ranging from 228 pounds in 1973 to 271 pounds in 1977.

On March 31, 1980, Jones got his weight down to 254.5 pounds to challenge Larry Holmes for the WBC heavyweight title. Jones was stopped in 8 rounds, on an eye injury that effectively ended his career.

Leroy Jones died in Los Angeles on July 11, 2010.[1]

References
  1. "Leroy Jones". BoxRec.
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