Ex-World Title Boxing Champs Jones, Lacy To Meet In “Hook City” August 15

ByBoxing Press


© Tom Casino

Two of the best left-hook punchers in boxing, 8-time world boxing champion Roy Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and former 2-time super middleweight title-holder Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs), will square-off August 15th in the 12-round main event to determine whom the better “hooker” really is today, headlining the “Hook City” pay-per-view show live from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

Jones defends his NABO light heavyweight title against Lacy in “Hook City,” presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions.

“We are very excited to be promoting “Hook City” on August 15 in Biloxi to settle the question, once and for all, of who is the best professional hooker in the sport of boxing,” said John S. Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions.

“While Jeff claims to have the best left hook, come the morning of the 16th, I think he may well be in the market for a new ring name.”

The Hall of Fame bound-Jones, fighting out of his native Pensacola (FL), has been a world champion in four divisions – middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight – and currently ranks among the top seven light heavyweights in all four major boxing organizations (WBO #2) and The Ring magazine.

“As you know, when I come, I bring it like I bring it,” said Jones. “See that guy there taking pictures [Tom Casino], he’s called me ‘Captain Hook’ for years. I thought about it and said, well, my left is like a hook. What can I say? I was chosen for the challenge.

“When you’re challenged, it’s simple. A lot of guys in boxing do a lot of talking, but when it’s time they don’t step up to the plate. Jeff Lacy said he wants to fight Roy Jones and we’ll get it on.

“I have the best left hook in the game. Jeff Lacy has a very good hook. So, when you get a challenge like that, how can you say no? You can’t, not where I come from. I don’t know any decent person who could, straight up.

“Me and Roger [trainer Bloodworth] have a long history together. I’ve watched Jeff a long time, too. I love watching him fight because he is exciting. He has power in both hands. He was labeled with that nickname but he has a very good right hand, too. I’m looking forward to a wonderful night. I’ll be in shape, fab and fit.

“One thing, it’ll be a war going on out there. If you can’t be at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, check it out on pay per view because it’s going to be the battle of the hooks. Roy Jones, Jr., aka Captain Hook – the best hook in the business versus Jeff ‘Left Hook’ Lacy, who thinks he has the best hook. We’ll see.”

St. Petersburg (FL) power-punching Lacy, rated No. 6 by the IBF and No. 9 by the WBO, is moving up in weight to fight living legend Jones as a light heavyweight for the first time. Former IBF and IBO super middleweight title-holder Lacy is coming off of a win by 10-round decision against Otis Griffin this past April.

“I’d like to thank Roy Jones, Jr. for taking the challenge,” said Lacy. “I’ve always watched him. He’s a great fighter. I’m glad to be one of the names on his roster. Too bad I’m going to be beating him. It still will be good to be on the roster.

“I’ve never been the type of person to do much talking. I do my talking in the ring. Come August 15th this fight is going to happen. Roy Jones agreed to it; I agreed to it.

“He’s bringing his hook – calls himself ‘Captain Hook,’ as you can see he’s dressed up in a captain’s uniform. I come as ‘Left Hook,’ the original, and I’m going to show that. We’re going to have a ‘Hook Night.”

In the 12-round co-feature for the vacant IBO cruiserweight crown, former world champion Danny “Green Machine” Green fights in the United States for only the second time, taking on South American light heavyweight king Julio Cesar “La Furia” Dominguez (20-4-1, 14 KOs).

Former WBA light heavyweight titlist Green, who was also the interim WBC super middleweight champion, is the pride of Australia. He last fought in the U.S. seven years ago, stopping Rhon Roberts in the third round of their fight in Las Vegas.

Lightweight contender Verquan “The Show” Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs), former NABA and USBA champion, is also scheduled to fight on the PPV card in a 10-round bout.

All bouts are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $150.00, $125.00, $100.00, $75.00, $50.00 & $25.00 are on sale and available at all Ticketmaster locations by calling 800.745.3000, on line at Ticketmaster.com and at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

The “Hook City” pay-per-view show is being distributed by Square Ring Promotions, Inc. at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT in North America on cable and satellite via iNDemand, TVN, DirecTV and Dish Network for a suggested retail price of $34.95.