In an exhibition boxing bout on January 28 in Miami, bodybuilder Robert Wilmote will take on former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr.
The match is said to be organized by Official Celebrity Boxing and will consist of five one-minute rounds, according to TMZ Sports.
Jones last entered the ring in November 2020 to face fellow star Mike Tyson in an exhibition match. Although Tyson seemed to be in complete control during, it was ultimately declared a split-decision draw.
The 1988 Olympic silver medalist defeated Scott Sigmon in his last bout in February 2018, improving his career record to 66-9. Even though the majority of them were against weaker opposition than he performed at his peak, he won 12 of his last 13.
He defeated James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver, John Ruiz, and Felix Trinidad throughout the course of his Hall of Fame career.
The 38-year-old social media phenomenon Wilmote has had some success in bodybuilding. He was placed second in the super heavyweight class in the 2019 Arnold Classic.
Jones will make his formal foray into the boxing ring in January. According to the source, he has already sparred with former welterweight champion Andre Berto.
‘Grind: The Robert Wilmote Story’, is a short documentary film about him which was published in 2017.
There were previously reports that Jones Jr. was interested in an exhibition against MMA GOAT Fedor Emelianenko.
“Yes, such a fight is possible as an exhibition.”
“We have already somehow negotiated on this subject, but they have not been confirmed.”
As for Fedor, he is scheduled to retire from MMA after he takes on Bellator champion Ryan Bader next month.
The bout will headline Bellator 290.
There were rumblings of an exhibition between the two back in November of 2021. At that time, Emelianenko was quoted saying:
“I have great respect for him as an athlete, a person, like a legend,” Emelianenko said to Tass. “He is one of the most outstanding boxers in the world of all time. Of course, it would be a great honor for me to perform in such a fight. I am interested in such fights. There are a few things we need to do—we need a promotion that is ready to organize such a fight. We also need to discuss the terms.
“We probably will not fully commit to strikes. But even without committing to punches, Roy can show everything he is capable of. Hopefully, I won’t pale in comparison.
“We now have the wind blowing in different directions. I think that this fight will be interesting for many. But there are many pitfalls, including many people who will take it negatively.”