Roy Jones vs. Gerald McClellan 1987 US championships

[boxingbob]

I know Gerald beat Roy in 1987 in the amateurs. NOt sure what tournament this was- US Championships? Does anyone have a tape of this tournament, more importantly, that fight in particular?

[Greg Nicholas]

McClellan beat Jones Jr in the semi-finals of the 1988 Golden Gloves (it was the only fight they had), McClellan was the last guy to beat Jones Jr fair and square before Tarver got him. Those that witnessed the McClellan-Jones Jr fight say that it was the greatest example of speed and power ever seen in an amateur boxing match (by both participants). There were no knockdowns, and McClellan got the decision and there were no complaints with the decision.

[mike222]

I think both as an amateur and as a professional Gerald is severely underrated--had he knocked out Nigel Benn out in the first round,which he could have done,instead of the tragedy,he could have gone on to super status.I did not see the fight in 1987,but I have great respect for both fighters .However as amateurs Jones must be the better.

[Greg Nicholas]

I did not see the fight in 1987,but I have great respect for both fighters .However as amateurs Jones must be the better.

There was no fight in 1987, McClellan-Jones Jr happened in 1988.

McClellan was certainly not the underdog going into the Jones Jr fight in 1988. McClellan had won the 1987 US Nationals, destroying pre-tournament favourite Tim Littles in the final and picking up the 'best boxer' in all weight categories award. As an amateur McClellan also went 1-1 with Frank Liles, 1-1 with Ray McElroy, and beat Michael Moorer in their only fight. McClellan was a better 156-pounder than Jones, before the Olympics.

[locoxelbox]

Why didn't he go to the US Olympic trials?