Roy Jones to fight in Russia on September 26

Former pound for pound king Roy Jones Jr. will be back in action on September 26 when he travels to Russia to fight Haney Atiyo according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

On July 26, Jones, boxing’s No. 1 fighter from 1994 to 2004, traveled to Riga, Latvia, and knocked out British journeyman Courtney Fry in the fifth round, his first knockout since stopping former super middleweight titlist Jeff Lacy in the 10th round in August 2009.

“The good thing about fighting twice back-to-back is it makes me stay in shape,” Jones said. “My body feels a lot better now than that it has in a long time. Being active is important and by being active, I make sure I am in the best shape.”

“They asked me would I come back and do it again and we made a deal,” Jones said. “I’m happy to go Russia. I have a lot of fans there and this is another tune-up to keep me active.”

“I know the guy I’m fighting is supposed to be a strong puncher, but not the most skillful guy,” Jones said. “I know he will try to jump on me and try to get me out of there. It’s cool though. I know what to expect.”

ones said his goal is to eventually get a shot at cruiserweight world titlist Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, 32, of Poland. The day after Jones’ fight, Wlodarczyk (49-2-1, 35 KOs) is scheduled to defend his belt against European champion Grigory Drozd (38-1, 27 KOs) in Moscow.

Jones, an obvious future Hall of Famer, who has held world titles at heavyweight, light heavyweight, super middleweight and middleweight, said he has been invited to attend Wlodarczyk’s fight and plans to fly there the day after his bout to be ringside.

“I want a shot at Wlodarczyk and then I’m done,” said Jones, whom many have called on to retire. “After I knock him out, I’m done. If I lost that would definitely be it, but I ain’t gonna lose. Even if I won the title, I might walk away, but you know if I win the title I’ll get some good offers, so I would consider them. I know Wlodarczyk is fighting in Moscow and I will be there. It’s about a 2½-hour flight and I am going there after my fight.

“I’ve had my eye on Wlodarczyk for some time. He has said he wanted to fight me. Let’s do it.”