Football
Associated Press 19y

Sulaiman is 'deeply concerned' over Jones' health

MEXICO CITY -- The president of the World Boxing Council
said Monday that boxer Roy Jones Jr. should undergo intensive
neurological testing before his Oct. 1 fight with Antonio Tarver.

The Mexico City-based boxing organization said in a news release
that it was "deeply concerned" about the fight because Jones was
knocked out in his last two fights.

"We believe that [Jones] should have a solid economic position
to live comfortably for the rest of his life, and he shouldn't let
-- for any reason -- his pride as a great champion push him to risk
his health or his life," WBC president Jose Sulaiman said in the
statement.

Sulaiman urged Jones to get medical approval to participate in
the fight "to eliminate doubts or health risks, especially in
times like these when we are seeing accidents likely caused when
athletes push themselves beyond what humans can tolerate."

Tarver knocked out Jones in the second round in May 2004 to keep
the WBC title. Jones won their first bout in a close 12-round
decision in November 2003 to win the championship. Jones was
knocked out by Glen Johnson in September 2004.

Tarver, 23-3 with 18 knockouts, scored a one-punch knockout of
Jones in the second fight. He landed only seven punches total, but
a left rocked Jones at 1:41 of the second round.

The two are scheduled to fight again Oct. 1 in Tampa, Fla.

^ Back to Top ^