Net Worth Ranker
What Is Roy Jones Jr.’s Net Worth?
Roy Jones Jr., an accomplished American professional boxer, actor, and rapper, has accumulated a net worth of $7 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a multifaceted career that spans sports, entertainment, and music. While his professional boxing career contributed significantly, various ventures and financial challenges have also shaped his financial landscape.
Roy Jones Jr.’s Boxing Career Earnings and Financial Setbacks
Throughout his nearly three-decade-long boxing career, Roy Jones Jr. participated in 75 fights, securing 66 wins. His guaranteed purses, Pay-Per-View (PPV) bonuses, and sponsorships amounted to $55 million before taxes and fees. Roy Jones Jr.’s most significant career purse came from his fight against John Ruiz in March 2003, where he was guaranteed $10 million plus 60% of the fight’s profits, resulting in a $26 million gross payday. He also earned $6.375 million fighting Antonio Tarver. Before the Tarver fight, his earnings ranged from $1 to $2 million per fight.
However, like many athletes, Roy Jones Jr. faced financial difficulties. Failed business ventures, especially in real estate, and investments such as a recording studio that never generated profits contributed to his financial strain. In 2014, he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and in 2015, reports surfaced about his $3 million debt to the IRS. Although a Russian boxing promoter offered to cover this debt in exchange for his participation in fights, the long-term financial impact persisted. In 2018, properties he owned were auctioned off to settle debts accrued by one of his companies.
Notably, in July 2020, Roy Jones Jr. and Mike Tyson announced their return to the ring for an exhibition match. The deal involved a sponsor contributing $50 million to stage the fight, with each fighter potentially earning up to $10 million if all PPV milestones were met. Including the $10 million from the Tyson fight, Roy Jones Jr.’s total career earnings exceed $55 million. Despite this income, his net worth currently stands at $7 million, highlighting the financial challenges he has faced.
Early Career and Boxing Achievements
Born in Pensacola, Florida, in January 1969, Roy Levesta Jones Jr. demonstrated early promise as an athlete. As an amateur boxer, he won the 1984 United States National Junior Olympics and the 1986 and 1987 United States National Golden Gloves. He also earned a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, setting the stage for his professional career, which began in 1989.
In 1993, he won the IBF Middleweight Championship by defeating Bernard Hopkins. His first loss came in 1997 against Montell Griffin, resulting in disqualification for hitting a downed opponent and losing the WBC Light Heavyweight title. He regained momentum in 2003 by defeating John Ruiz, securing the WBA Heavyweight championship. Before suffering his second career loss to Antonio Tarver in 2004, Jones held over 10 championships. Between 2004 and 2005, he experienced three consecutive losses, including two to Tarver.
Roy Jones Jr. continued his boxing career, winning the vacant WBU Cruiserweight title in December 2013 by defeating Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf, bringing his record to 57-8. He holds the distinction of being the only boxer to start as a light middleweight and win a heavyweight title. The Boxing Writers Association of America recognized his contributions by naming him the Fighter of the Decade for the 1990s.
Other Ventures and Public Appearances
Beyond boxing, Roy Jones Jr. ventured into music and acting. His rap album, “Round One: The Album,” was released in 2001. In 2004, his group Body Head Bangerz released an album, expanding his presence in the entertainment industry. Roy Jones Jr. also appeared in two films in the Matrix franchise, showcasing his versatility.
He continued his boxing career, winning the vacant WBF cruiserweight title by defeating Bobby Gunn in February 2017, bringing his record to 65-9. Roy Jones Jr. appeared in other films, including “The Devil’s Advocate,” “Cordially Invited,” “Universal Soldier: A New Dimension,” and “Southpaw.” In addition to fighting, he has worked as a boxing trainer and commentator.
Roy Jones Jr. holds dual American and Russian citizenship. However, he was banned from entering Ukraine in 2015 after meeting with Vladimir Putin to request dual citizenship. These ventures and public appearances have contributed to his overall profile and earning potential, although his net worth remains influenced by his boxing career and financial management.
