Blue Duck Roy Jones, Jr. wins WBA Heavyweight Title
Published on March 2, 2003 under United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, FL â Roy Jones, Jr., known as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, proved tonight that it doesn't matter how many more pounds you put in front of him, as the 193-lb. undisputed light-heavyweight champ beat 226-lb. John Ruiz in a unanimous decision, winning the WBA Heavyweight title.
Jones, who played for the Brevard Blue Ducks last season, dominated the fight, winning 10 of the 12 rounds on most observers' cards.
"He was well prepared, he was thorough, he was dominating," crowed Mike Richman, Ducks owner. "It was a typical Roy Jones fight. He comes in and no matter how much you were expecting of him, he impresses you."
Jones became the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title since Leon Spinks defeated Larry Holmes in 1985.
He did it in dominating fashion, winning the three judges cards by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.
Jones was expected to run and keep away from the 33 pound heavier Ruiz much of the fight, but after an action packed first round he stood mostly in the center of the ring, content to duke it out with the former champion.
With his win, Jones improved to 48-1 in his professional career. Ruiz fell to 38-5-1.
With his big bout behind him, Ducks owner Richman, hopes its time for Roy to dust off his Blue Ducks uniform and get ready for some USBL action this summer.
"Roy's a word-class athlete," says Richman. He keeps himself not only physically prepared, but mentally prepared as well." "And," added Richman, "He's as nuts about basketball as he's ever been. He's got a full court set up in his house. Not at his house. In his house. He loves the game and his experience and athleticism allow him to be a very good player. We look forward to getting him back here this season for a few games with the Blue Ducks."
The Blue Ducks begin their second season in the United States Basketball League (USBL) on April 19th, playing at the Clemente Center at Florida Tech, in Melbourne. Tickets are available by calling (321) 751-BLUE (2583) or by visiting the Blue Ducks website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com. A seating chart for the Clemente Center is also available on the site.
In their inaugural season, led by former NBA star Harvey Grant - twin brother of the Magic's Horace Grant, the Blue Ducks posted the best record in the USBL and took home the Eastern Conference Championship. This season, former Orlando Magic star, Dennis "3D" Scott will be leading the Blue Ducks as a part time player and assistant coach.
The USBL serves as a minor league to the NBA and is the oldest continuously running minor league in the United States. It has sent over 140 players to the NBA in its 18-year existence.
NBA stars such as Anthony Mason, Chris Childs, Mugsy Bogues, Spud Webb, Charlie Ward, Avery Johnson and Orlando's own Darrell Armstrong all got their start in the USBL.
United States Basketball League Stories from March 2, 2003
- Blue Duck Roy Jones, Jr. wins WBA Heavyweight Title - Brevard Blue Ducks
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