Jones Crushes Sheika!
Lands Stoppage in front of Hometown Crowd...

March 21, 2009 - Pensacola, FL
Ringside Report: Drew Amendola at Ringside
Photos: Scott Foster

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Roy Jones Jr. disproved the old adage that "you can never go home again" on Saturday when he dominated two-time world title challenger Omar Sheika to force a referee stoppage in the fifth round of their scheduled twelve round fight at the Pensacola Civic Center in Pensacola, Florida.

Jones captured the NABO light heavyweight title with his victory and rejuvenated his career (again).

The former four-division world champion Jones (53-5, 39 KOs) was greeted upon his arrival in the ring with a raucous reception from his hometown of Pensacola. This was the first fight for Jones in his hometown in over ten years and he showed that he had never lost his hometown roots or fans. He was treated with genuine affection and adoration by the over 6000 fans that saw him show flashes of his trademark speed and quickness that made him such a formidable force since his Olympic appearance in the 1988 games at Seoul, South Korea.

Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs) came out pursuing Jones but showed little imagination. He used a jab sparingly and his footwork was plodding, straightforward and predictable.

Sheika tried to pressure Jones into the ropes where he could unleash his power but the superior skills of Jones frustrated his attempts.

With the strategy of his opponent exposed, Jones easily countered the advances of Sheika with swift and devastating combinations.

The left counter hook of Jones was on target throughout the fight as he punished Sheika from head to body.

Sheika, although game, had no defense for the speed, accuracy or ring generalship of Jones.

The match turned into a boxing clinic and a treat for the hometown fans as Jones easily danced around Sheika landing punches at will.

The quantity and quality of punches from Sheika dropped after each round.

Jones came out strong in the fifth round moving gracefully around Sheika and landing punch after punch upstairs. This concentration of the punches to the head of Sheika caused a nasty cut over the bridge of his nose early in the round.

Sheika never appeared hurt during the fight but he looked hopeless at this point against the future Hall of Famer Jones.

Referee Tommy Kimmons mercifully stopped the action at 1:45 of the fifth round.

Sheika was never in trouble of going down and but the accumulation of punches to his head obviously forced the referee to make a decision.

Sheika and his corner expressed disappointment at the stoppage but the outcome was never in doubt after the first round.

"I want to give thanks to Pensacola in the house," Jones announced from the center of the ring after the fight. "I felt really good. I'm ready. With my father, Coach Merk and my team I'm more comfortable."

Roy then asked the crowd: "Do you want me back?" The fans responded with a thunderous "Yes!" and Roy answered: "I'll be coming back!"

Jones Jr. vs Sheika Photos

Flores Cruises by Herrera!

In the co-main event, cruiserweight contender BJ Flores (23-0-1, 14 KOs) scored a unanimous decision over Colombian Jose Luis Herrera (16-6-1, 16 KOs) to secure a NABO title belt. The fight was a mostly tactical battle as the heavy-handed Herrera attempted to land the knockout punch while Flores easily outboxed his opponent.

Flores established an effective jab early and used it throughout the fight. The jab prevented Herrera from landing his powerful right hand. The jab in addition to his superior ring movement allowed Flores to dominate Herrera.

Neither fighter appeared hurt or was in trouble. Scores were 98-92, 99-91 and 99-91.

Flores vs Herrera Photos

Other Undercard Results

Heavyweight Kelvin Price (5-0, 4 KOs) outlasted Kevin Howard (1-2-1) in a six round bout. Scores were 57-57, 58-56 and 59-55. Native son Kieyenn Bussey (7-0, 4 KOs) earned an unpopular decision over Robert DaLuz (11-17, 9 KOs) in a six round bantamweight contest. DaLuz was more aggressive and landed the heavier punchers while Bussey chose to box. Scores were 57-57, 58-56 and 58-56 for the hometown Bussey who took a beating the last few rounds. Also in action, Richmond Dalphone (2-5) won a unanimous four-round decision over Eric Clinton (0-6-1) in super middleweight bout. Clinton knocked Dalphone down in the first round but Dalphone recovered to box his way to a close decision. Scores were 39-38, 39-38, and 39-38.