Anthony Jones Dies After Being Knocked Out in Professional Boxing Debut

With all the excitement and hype building that goes into a boxing event we need to take a moment and remind ourselves that two human beings will actually be facing each other in a legally sanctioned public bludgeoning.

As an opinion columnist and fan of the sport, I too am tempted to use the “drama” surrounding the event and fighters to craft an article that will get eyes on my page.

During those times we as writers use bold unbridled statements to not only illustrate passion and position on the issues but to also inject a shock value that will get debate going. 

Unfortunately, from time to time, the sobering reality of boxing delivers a punch to the gut and reminds us boxing is more than PPV sales, trash talk and statistics on paper.

On Saturday January 29, 2011 we got such a reminder. A young 28-year-old fighter lost his life hours after he was knocked out in the second round of his professional debut.

Anthony Jones from El Dorado, Arkansas stepped in the ring to square off against Quincey Palmer in a four-round undercard for the event titled “The Benton Beatdown” in Benton, Arkansas. 

Palmer, who was fighting in his second professional fight at heavyweight, is reportedly devastated and has not commented directly to any media.

Spectators say Jones appeared chiseled and in great shape leading up to the fight; in fact, Jones' promoter Larry Harris told reporters Jones was fighting well until he was knocked unconscious.

“He was just a phenomenal athlete. He was a physically-fit specimen, a poster boy," Harris said. Even stating he "dominated the fight.”

Jones regained consciousness and was talking before being taken to UAMS hospital. 

Doctors do not believe his death had anything to do with the knockout, although an autopsy has not been preformed yet.

Jones is survived by his aunt, brother and 3 year old son Aidan Jones.