Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr, who last fought Mike Tyson, talks about Tony Bellew exhibition fight and explains why he would win

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has talked and a demonstration fight against Tony Bellew, insisting he would have the lead over the Brit.

The American, 53, retired from professional boxing in 2018 but returned in November 2020 for an exhibition against Mike Tyson.

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In his prime, Jones Jr was regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history, claiming titles at middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight.

He is currently helping Chris Eubank Jr prepare for his fight against Liam Williams and it looks like he wants a crack at former cruiserweight king Bellew.

The Liverpudlian, 39, has shared training videos on social media, sparking rumors of a possible return to the ring after his retirement in 2018.

According to Dave Coldwell, former Bellew trainer, Jones Jr tried to arrange a fight with the Briton while they were active, following the win over David Haye in 2017.

And speaking to talkSPORT, Jones Jr seemed to be rekindling hopes of meeting Bellew.

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He said: “Tony Bellew is a damn good fighter, he’s a tough guy.

“I think my boxing skills are much better than his, but he’s a definite tough guy.

“Bellew is a hard fight for everyone because of his big heart.

“Not because of his skills, but because of his big heart.

“If he can grab my guns, he can make me run for my money because he’s a tough guy.

“But boxing, no!”

However, Bellew has already ruled out a fight with his “hero”.

In 2016, the famous Everton fan said: “After I won the world title, everyone said to me, ‘Would you fight Roy Jones Jr?’

“No, I wouldn’t fight him, I’d never find him, and it came back to Roy.

“But I will never fight him, never let your idols become your rivals.

“I’ve idolized that man since I was a kid, he’s the greatest fighter that ever lived.”

Bellew added: “He is a legend and an icon, and I am so proud to know me. I will never fight him.”