By James Slater – Immediately after he’d won himself the “Prizefighter” trophy back in October, British heavyweight Michael Sprott knew he’d receive at least one big fight by way of a “reward.” Audley Harrison resurrected his pro career by winning the tournament the year before (to the point where he received a shot at the European title; against Sprott ironically enough – and then a crack at the WBA title). Sprott hoped, and still hopes, for a similar world title opportunity; but right now it seems the likeable 35-year-old just might wind up facing living legend Roy Jones Junior in his next fight.
In speaking with Boxrec, the former British, European Union and Commonwealth heavyweight champion confirmed that, yes, his team and Jones’ team are currently in negotiations for a March 2011 fight..
“Roy Jones was in the UK for a few weeks (on a speaking tour)and I caught up with him and his team,” Sprott told Boxrec. “Currently the fight is being negotiated and I’m hoping for a target date of March of next year. I feel better than ever. I am currently in training and I started last week. I will probably spar Wladimir Klitschko for three or four weeks in preparation for his fight with Derek Chisora. I want to focus on a potential fight with Roy Jones Junior. I know I can beat him and he will be a big scalp on my record.”
As fans know, 41-year-old Jones is, like Evander Holyfield (a name Sprott has also been linked to fighting recently; Holyfield’s name also having been suggested as a foe for R.J) seemingly unable to retire. As recently as last month, Jones was telling SKY Sports’ cameras he would take on WBA champ David Haye in a “last hurrah.” Maybe the former “Superman” is looking at facing Sprott as a high-level tune-up for a much bigger fight? Heaven forbid Jones ever gets his wish and lands a date with Haye, though! (and stranger, crazier things have happened in boxing, haven’t they?)
Still, as faded as he is right now, would Jones be capable of going back to heavyweight (for what would be just his second fight in the division) and beating Sprott?
As his 35-15(17) record suggests, Sprott is far from unbeatable. And having been stopped eight times, the veteran of 50 pro outings will no doubt be looked at by the still-quick Jones as a fighter who can be taken out. But records are deceiving, and Sprott is a good fighter, well experienced as a heavyweight, with an overall decent chin. Can the faded Jones beat him at this point in his career? Very possibly, but the Reading man doesn’t think so.
Not having boxed since that awful points loss to Bernard Hopkins in their long awaited rematch, and not having won a fight since August of 2009, it’s not clear what Jones, 54-7(40) has left. The former great seems intent on finding out, however. Against a useful heavyweight who can punch.
If the March fight does come off, don’t expect it to be pretty.