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Source: Photosport
Australia's Danny Green scythed down a boxing legend as he
stopped American superstar Roy Jones Jnr in just two minutes at
Acer Arena.
Making the first defence of his IBO cruiser weight world title,
36-year-old Green floored Jones with a big right hand to the head
after one minute.
Sensing his opponent was still vulnerable, Green applied further
pressure and backed up the American who suddenly looked all of his
40 years.
Several unanswered punches prompted English referee Howard Foster
to stop the bout after just 122 seconds.
Jones landed a handful of punches in the opening minute during
which both men felt each other out with quick jabs.
Jones, a four-division eight times world champion, offered no
excuses for a defeat which could signal the end of a wonderful
career.
"We don't make excuses, it was a great performance by Danny," Jones
told the crowd.
Green sounded almost apologetic after humbling one of the greatest
fighters of this or any other generation.
"He's one of the greatest fighters of all time and the opportunity
to fight him in Australia, thanks Roy Jones Jnr," Green told the
crowd.
"I almost feel bad doing that, that almost most hurt me to do that
to someone whom I aspire to look up to as a professional fighter
inside and outside the ring.
"He's a bloody legend."
The incredible win was undoubtedly the highlight of Green's
eight-year professional career and improves his record to 28-3,
with 24 KOs.
Jones is scheduled to have a rematch with his old American
adversary Bernard Hopkins early next year, but that bout and his
continuation in the sport must surely now be in doubt.
Green dedicated the victory to the memory of his niece Sophie,
who passed away in 2006.
Although he trumpeted his underdog status before the bout, Green
took aim at the critics who had given him no chance of upsetting
Jones.
"I didn't surprise myself," said Green, who said the victory was
for all Australians.
He described the victory as the third greatest moment of his life
following the birth of his children Chloe and Archie.
Challenger Jones, whose record now stands at 54-6, with 40 KOs, was
the first man into the ring following an almost interminable
hour-long wait after the final undercard bout.
He received a warm welcome, but it was almost quiet compared to the
rapturous reception Green got as he waited for over one minute
after the start of his traditional walk in song, Men At Work's
iconic Down Under.
