Sunday Punch: Roy Jones Jr’s behind the back KO of Glen Kelly

One of the most disrespectful endings you’ll ever see. Roy Jones Jr really did some incredible things in the ring. In his prime he was a marvel to watch even if far too often he wasn’t exactly in with the biggest of the big name…


Roy Jones Jr. v Glen Kelly X

One of the most disrespectful endings you’ll ever see.

Roy Jones Jr really did some incredible things in the ring. In his prime he was a marvel to watch even if far too often he wasn’t exactly in with the biggest of the big names in world boxing.

On February 2nd, 2002, Jones was the undisputed light heavyweight champion and matched up with Australia’s Glen Kelly, whose notable wins up to that point were against Sam Soliman and retiring John Mugabi.

This was not a competitive fight. Kelly didn’t win any of the seven rounds that this fight lasted and he was dropped three times. What everyone remembers is that Jones dismissed Kelly for the night by putting his hands behind his back, and as Kelly flicked out his jab, Jones uncorked a right hand that decked Kelly for good.

Watch the video at the top of the page. One could only imagine the numbers this would’ve done in the social media era.

Kelly (31-3-1, 17 KOs) only fought a few more times and ended his career at cruiserweight, losing by TKO to a young David Haye. Jones (66-9, 47 KOs) retired from the professional ranks in 2018 — way past his best — but he did resurface last year and got a “draw” against Mike Tyson in their exhibition.