Enzo Maccarinelli was praised by fans for his reaction to knocking out Roy Jones Jr.
At his fighting peak, the American won world titles at four different weight classes to establish himself as one of the best boxers of all time.
By the time he squared off against Enzo Maccarinelli in December 2015, Roy Jones Jr. was way past his fighting prime.
It showed as he was brutally stopped in four rounds by the former WBO cruiserweight champion.
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Enzo Maccarinelli’s classy reaction to Roy Jones Jr. KO
Enzo Maccarinelli raced into an early lead on the scorecards, but he didn’t need them to beat Roy Jones Jr.
The Welsh fan favorite scored a heavy knockdown when he landed a huge uppercut in round four.
Jones Jr. bravely got back to his feet before being floored again by a vicious combination of punches.
Maccarinelli’s overhand right sent him crashing face-first to the mat, prompting referee Ingo Barrabas to wave off the fight.
Rather than celebrate the biggest win of his career, Maccarinelli showed his class in the moments that followed.
‘Big Mac’ ran back to his corner, dropped to his knees, and began praying for his fallen foe.
Maccarinelli anxiously watched on as doctors checked over the clearly concussed Jones Jr.
Thankfully, the boxing legend got back to his feet to share a hug with his opponent and hear the ring announcer officially confirm the result.
Roy Jones Jr. is still fighting 10 years later
Enzo Maccarinelli retired from boxing after getting knocked out in his very next fight.
Dmytro Kucher stopped him with 12 seconds left in the first round of their June 2016 European cruiserweight title bout.
Roy Jones Jr. bounced back with four consecutive wins before taking a break from professional boxing in 2018.
The 56-year-old had an exhibition bout with Mike Tyson, which ended in a draw, in November 2020.
Last time out, Jones Jr. returned to the pro ranks and suffered a decision defeat to former UFC champion Anthony Pettis in April 2023.
Jones Jr. hasn’t fought since, but he also hasn’t fully committed to walking away from the sport after a 78-fight career.