Jon Jones is a skilled a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter that has ever stepped foot inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon, amassing a staggering 22-1-1 mark in his professional career without ever really suffering a true defeat.
But what kind of success could “Bones” have in the sport of boxing If he really applied himself? The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion of the world says he could hang with the best boxers in the world if he dedicates himself to pure standup training.
“When I started doing MMA, I found myself in the UFC about nine months after my first practice so I’m aware that I have a mind for fighting,” Jones said in an interview with JW Raw via MMANYTT. “I have a lot of faith and confidence in myself,” he added.
“I believe that if I were to hire the right people to be around me, that’s maybe four boxing coaches. That’s what the guys at the highest levels [have]. Hire guys to come in here and we spend two years focusing on boxing and only boxing, I believe I’d be able to compete with the best in the world.”
Still, Jones isn’t about to go full Conor McGregor and challenge the top of the food chain from the jump, saying he knows a showdown between he and current Heavyweight king, Anthony Joshua, wouldn’t end well for him.
“I would imagine he would have the upper hand big time,” Jones admitted. “He’s spent so much time throwing hands and that’s his passion.”
For now, “Bones” will continue to leave his mark in MMA before a real thought of crossing over to the sweet science crosses his mind. Up next for the ex-205 pound kingpin is a championship fight against Alexander Gustafsson, which is set to go down at UFC 232 on Dec. 29, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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