Sundays Strolls: Episode Three
Boxing Legend Roy Jones Jr. Defeats A New Kind of Adversary
Words: Kyra Sacdalan
Photos: Justin W. Coffey
The original title for Polaris RZR’s new series was “Scared Shitless,” but for some reason Legal wouldn’t approve it. If the idea was to take the toughest athletes in the nation, arguably the world, and take them (far) outside of their comfort zone, then they might have set themselves up for failure inviting legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr. This man has won titles across four weight classes, earned a silver medal in the Olympics, broke several records and, just for fun, started a music career – because why not?
Even his exhibition, going eight rounds with Mike Tyson in 2020, filled the seats, broke Pay-Per-View and raked in astronomical dollars. His success and status as a Pro Fighter precedes him, casting a glow when he enters the scene. Yet, the moment he engages in a conversation, you realize that the “baddest” guy in the room is actually really down to earth. And maybe it shouldn’t come as such a surprise, but to those (like myself) who have been following Jones’ career since as long as they could figure out how to use the TV remote, it’s hard to see people like him as… Humans.
So, there’s something really special about witnessing a champion break character a bit. Admitting freely and unabashedly his genuine uneasiness about what lay ahead. And lucky for us, we were right by his side as he strapped into the RZR Pro R, captained by two-time Baja 1000, UTV World Championship, Crandon World Championship (to mention a few) winner RJ Anderson – quiet, collected and unusually taciturn. Then, again when he pulled up covered in dust, smiling with words spilling out of him as he tried to recount the experience. The perfect time to ambush him with questions.
UTV Sports: Not to age myself, but your era was what I grew up watching.
Your career spanned almost 30 years, several weight classes and a stint in the Olympics. After collecting so many accolades (like a whopping 47 KOs), in an era boasting so many other notable giants, were you ever a little nervous going into a fight? Does anything make you nervous anymore?
Roy Jones Jr.: I was usually nervous going into fights, but I didn’t let it bother me much because the outcome was more important. The nervousness always came from not wanting to let the fans down.
USM: You’re a legend in the ring. You’ve found success with other passions as well in music. Are there other death-defying activities you excel at (or at least love) that most people may not know about?
RJJ: I do love motorcycle riding, and I do like popping wheelies. Very death defying, but I do love it. I had to stop because I knew it was going to come back to haunt me eventually. It almost did once before.
USM: Prior to this event, what did you know about UTVs (also known as a side-by-side)?
RJJ: I’ve ridden four-wheelers my whole life. [I’ve] never really had this type of [performance utility terrain] vehicle to drive off-road. I drive a little [Kawasaki] Mule around, you know, but that’s about it.
USM: You’ve taken on fierce opponents like Mike Tyson and Felix Trinidad, which I can only imagine takes giant huevos. Are you generally a thrill seeker?
RJJ: I’m very much a thrill seeker. That’s why I love boxing so much. That’s why I love riding outdoor vehicles, why I love motorcycles. I’m most definitely a thrill seeker.
USM: What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve ever done (at least that you can admit publicly)?
RJJ: I think one of the most dangerous things I’ve ever done was catching a snake with my bare hands. Not being exactly sure what kind of snake it was. It could have been venomous, and maybe bit me, but, still, I wasn’t sure. I think that was probably the most dangerous thing I’ve done.
USM: Do you know much about RJ Anderson? Does he seem intimidating?
RJJ: Oh, he intimidates me. He’s a five-time champion… You see those hills? It’s intimidating, trust me, but I love life. I don’t like rollercoasters, but I don’t think it’s going to be like that (I hope). Other than that, I should be good.
[Note: it was a little bit like a rollercoaster.]
USM: You have family members who, like you, have displayed fearlessness in the face of adversity. Being considered one of the best boxers, pound-for-pound, of all time, how much did confidence and courage play a part in your career?
RJJ: Confidence and courage played a huge part in my career because without confidence you won’t go into battle with the right mindset. Without courage, you won’t take challenges when other people think you can’t win. You know, you need to have confidence, but courage is the key.
USM: When you first set off around the motocross track, how many times did you step on the invisible brake pedal?
RJJ: Only the first few times! (Laughs a little)
USM: Was it fun, terrifying or both?
RJJ: Both.
USM: What was your favorite part?
RJJ: The jump uphill… Because you can’t see what’s on the other side, so you have no clue how long you’ll be suspended in the air. And to me, that’s the most terrifying part. The downhill was a good part too. But you know you’re going down, so you shouldn’t have a problem; it’s just a matter of being suspended for a minute again. But the up, you don’t see anything on the downhill side, so for me, that’s what always scares me the most.
USM: That’s actually a really good point! So, how does this change your perspective of UTVs now?
RJJ: It’s changed my perspective totally…to have so much power, to be able to go so fast and to have so much control over [the UTV]. Everything I do in life always goes full-circle. It reminds me of my fighting because you aren’t really supposed to be in control of your power, yet you [still] have to control it. He [RJ Anderson] controls this [RZR Pro R] like a fighter controls his punch. He’s an absolutely awesome driver.
USM: Absolutely. Okay, this one’s for fun. Who would you say hits the hardest? Have you ever been surprised by how hard you hit someone?
RJJ: I would say Mike Tyson hits the hardest. But a guy named Eddie Evans out of Atlanta hit me harder in my early days than anyone had ever hit me for real, for real. And then, Merqui Sosa probably missed me with the most devastating punch that I might have ever seen…Besides Mike Tyson’s punches, of course.
USM: Speak of hittin’ hard. Are you for the next time you blast around in a RZR, maybe behind the wheel?
RJJ: Yessir.
Check out Roy’s experience in the full Third Episode of Sunday Strolls below!