Inducted on November 12, 2009
Junior Jones was born December 19, 1970 in Brooklyn. Hilda Jones, his mother, is his most cherished supporter. Junior started boxing at the age of ten. Known as “Poison,” Jones was an exciting Bantamweight fighter, who is best remembered for his two victories over Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera.
Jones won two New York Golden Gloves Championships, the 1988 119lb Novice Championship and the 1989 119lb Open Championship. In 1988 Jones defeated Arnold Miranda of the Cage Recreation in the finals to win the Championship and in 1989 Jones defeated Robert Pimentel of the New York City Recreation in the finals to win the Championship. Jones trained at the Police Athletic League. In the Olympic box-offs he lost to eventual Gold medalist Kennedy McKinney. His record was 150-9.
Jones began his career in 1989 and ran off a string of 32 consecutive victories, capturing the WBA Bantamweight title on October 23, 1993 with a win over Colombian Jorge Julio Rocha. On April 22, 1994, Jones lost his title to John Michael Johnson by a TKO in the eleventh round.
Jones fell off the radar for the next two years prior to taking on the undefeated and feared Barrera for the WBO Super bantamweight title on November 22, 1996. He was the first man to beat Barrera, knocking the Mexican superstar out in the fifth round. Barrera’s cornermen entered the ring, which disqualified Barrera before he could be stopped. In the rematch, Jones won a unanimous decision against Barrera. After winning the two fights over Barrera, Jones lost his belt to 1998 Olympic Gold Medal winner Kennedy McKinney.
After a few more bouts, Junior hung up his gloves in 2001. He retired with a second of 50-6 with 39 Kos.
Jones would like to thank GOD, Board Members at the NJ Hall of Fame, his family, and friends, for making his DREAM a REALITY.
Trainers: Joey Fariello, Bob Jackson & Tommy Brooks
Junior Jones was a World Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight champion. He is best remembered for being the first man to beat Marco Antonio Barrera, knocking the Mexican superstar out in round 5; though Barrera’s corner entered the ring, which disqualifed Barrera, before he could be stopped. In the rematch Junior Jones won a unanimous decision against Marco Antonio Barrera, although some fans disputed the verdict. Junior Jones wasn’t able to maintain his scuccess however, as he lost his next fight after the Barrera bouts, against Kennedy McKinney by fourth round KO. Junior did well, knocking down McKinney in round 3 and dominating the first three rounds but was KO’d himself in round 4.
He then fought Erik Morales in Tijuana and was KO’d in four rounds. Jones again did relatively well early, holding his own against Morales in a very even fight. Jones would later receive another title shot against IBF Featherweight champion Paul Ingle, after knocking down Ingle, and appearing to gain the advantage in the fight, Jones ran out of gas, and was stopped in the 11th round. Jones works today as a private trainer of amateur and professional athletes in Brooklyn, New York.
New York Golden Gloves Champion
Junior Jones won two New York Golden Gloves Championships. Jones won the 1988 119lb Novice Championship and the 1989 119lb Open Championship. In 1988 Jones defeated Arnold Miranda of the Cage Recreation in the finals to win the Championship and in 1989 Jones defeated Robert Pimentel of the New York City Recreation in the finals to win the Championship. Jones trained at the Police Athletic League.
Titles Held
- IBA Continental Super Featherweight Title (2001)
- IBO Featherweight Title (1999)
- IBA Super Featherweight Title (1999)
- World Boxing Organization Super Bantamweight Title (1996-97)
- IBC Super Bantamweight Title (1996)
- World Boxing Association World Bantamweight Title (1993-94)
- WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight Title (1993)
- USBA Bantamweight Title (1991-92)
Boxing Record: click