WBA Heavyweight Champ Roy Jones, Jr. to join Brevard Blue Ducks
Published on June 3, 2003 under United States Basketball League (USBL)
Brevard Blue Ducks News Release
Melbourne, FL â In this corner, in the white and blue trunks, with a record of 6-14, the Brevard Blue Ducks. In the far corner, with a record of 48-1, the undisputed light-heavyweight champ and now, WBA heavyweight champion of the world, Roy Jones, Jr.
Hoping to get some punch into their game, the Brevard Blue Ducks announced today that heavyweight boxing champion, Roy Jones, Jr. will be joining the team for this weekend's home stand at the Clemente Center at Florida Tech.
The Blue Ducks, the USBL's defending eastern conference champions have had a tough go of it this season, falling to last place recently. But just like a veteran boxer, they refuse to quit, recently announcing a major overhaul to their organization in an effort to get themselves off the canvas and make a run for the post-season.
Roy Jones, Jr., known as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, proved in March that it doesn't matter what, or who, you put in front of him - as the 193-lb. undisputed light-heavyweight champ beat 226-lb. John Ruiz for 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. Brevard is hoping he carries that attitude with him when he joins the club this weekend.
"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.
With his big bout behind him, Ducks owner Richman, is looking forward to Roy providing a knockout punch for his team.
"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 got the heart and mind of champion. He's been where we want to be. I'm hoping we learn something from him while we have him here. We're excited about having him back with the Blue Ducks."
Jones, who hails from Pensacola, Florida is as eager to join the Blue Ducks as they are to have him. "I'm very excited to be back in Brevard County again to play with the team and the league," said Jones. "I just wish I could have been here to play the whole season."
The Blue Ducks are in their second season in the United States Basketball League (USBL). 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.
The Blue Ducks made national headlines earlier this season, by signing former Orlando Magic star, Dennis "3D" Scott as a player and later, picking high school phenom, LeBron James in the annual USBL draft.
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.
All Blue Ducks home games are played at the Clemente Center at Florida Tech, in Melbourne. Friday's and Saturday's games start at 7:00 PM. Sunday's contest begins at 5:00 PM.
Tickets are available by calling (321) 751-BLUE (2583), by visiting the Blue Ducks website at www.BrevardBlueDucks.com, or at any Space Coast Credit Union in Brevard. Tickets are also available at the Clemente Center box office an hour before game time.
United States Basketball League Stories from June 3, 2003
- WBA Heavyweight Champ Roy Jones, Jr. to join Brevard Blue Ducks - Brevard Blue Ducks
- USBL Transactions - USBL
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