Hopkins vs. Jones Jr 2010: The Rivals That Dissappointed

The precursor to Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr fighting for the first time since 1993 was tense. Each fighter knew that they had the skill to take the other. Until the night of April 3, 2010.

The opening bouts were exciting and full of brawling action including an exciting victory for Sergio Mora over a tougher than expected Calvin Green, which to many in the crowd seemed like it was stopped too early. Those in attendance that night could see that the lesser known fighters were out trying to make a name for themselves and many of the fights had everyone clapping from opening bell.

Then "The Rivals" arrived and only one word could sum up their performance: poor.

While many expected to see two seasoned legends of the ring exchange their best, what they showed was nothing more than a couple of boxers whose retirement needed to happen three plus years ago. The most exciting parts of the match were the fouls, many of which appeared staged and acted through because of the lack of power that could be produced by that short of a blow.

Bernard Hopkins low-blowed Roy Jones Jr three times in the first couple of rounds and the points were never taken even when the blows were obviously low. One time Hopkins glove nearly went between Jones' legs.

Jones, obviously irritated by this, retaliated and hit Hopkins on the back of the head. Hopkins, quickly acting the victim then dropped to his knees and had to be examined by the ringside doctor. This incident was not the only time Hopkins would act his way through getting seen by the doctor which had many spectators, even security personnel of Mandalay Bay, and police officers, talking about how he was acting.

Later in the fight, Hopkins hit Jones Jr on the back of the head and Jones immediately did the same as they are "hugging" in the corner. After being separated by the referee, Jones' lips could be read yelling "He hit me!" while pointing with his glove to the head as Hopkins, again acting the victim, was being checked by ring side doctors again.

The bout was scored a unanimous decision for Bernard Hopkins, winning two judges scores 117-110 and the third judge 119-108. Both fighters surely showing themselves past their primes and are now being asked multiple times over about retirement.

After the fight, while waiting for the scores and before Michael Buffer could announce a winner the crowd easily scored the bout for the by starting to chant.

"REFUND! REFUND! REFUND!"