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Roy Jones Jr. vs. Allen Iverson: Forgotten “Gangsta Pics” Resurfaces on the Internet, Leaves Fans Jaw-Dropped

Published 04/08/2024, 8:47 AM EDT

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Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. recently took a trip down memory lane on social media. He shared a photo from a 1999 charity basketball game where he faced off against NBA icon Allen Iverson. The image, posted on Jones Jr.’s Instagram account, shows the two athletes in their primes, even though they squared off on the basketball court. And its caption simply reads, “1999 Roy Jones Jr. vs. Allen Iverson Baker League Classic.

This 1999 game was a charity event, popularly known as the Roy Jones Jr. vs. Allen Iverson Baker League Classic. Jones Jr., a boxing champion at the time, had surprised many with his impressive basketball skills. He held his own against Iverson, despite his lack of a basketball career. In this recent post, he was caught sharing some snaps from that particular day.

Roy Jones Jr. cannot forget his basketball match against Allen Iverson

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Roy Jones Jr. surprised a lot of new-age fans by exposing them to his past, back when he played ball against the former NBA MVP. He even shared a newspaper column from that day, which documented their game quite well. The newspaper read, “He’s not going to be invited to any NBA camps between title defenses, but Jones did manage to unofficially get four points on 2-for-7 shooting with six assists…

 

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In the end, Roy Jones Jr.’s team lost by 7 points, with an end score of 135-128. After the loss, he even gave an interview, stating, “I’m sure if I could get to hang around and play with guys of that caliber on a regular basis, I’m sure I could learn enough from them to be able to hang with them. It was just fun to be able to step on the court and play with guys like Allen and the others because I love basketball so much.

Roy Jones Jr. posted two photos from that day, one with him guarding the NBA star, while the other showed them hugging each other. As it seems, fans were quite oblivious to this event, expressing their surprise in the comments section.

Fans are taken aback by Jones Jr. reminding fans of his basketball skills

Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. sent social media into a frenzy this week as he shared his throwback photos from the legendary charity game involving NBA icon Allen Iverson. The image, which has garnered a massive response, sparked a wave of nostalgia and admiration from fans. One fan kicked off the commentary with a bang, declaring the photo to be “one of the most gangsta pics ever.” This reaction points out the sheer coolness factor associated with the image.

Another fan marveled at Jones Jr.’s versatility, acknowledging his accomplishments across different athletic disciplines. The comment read, “Brother what have you not done?“, playfully highlighting Jones Jr.’s exceptional talent, not just in boxing but also on the basketball court.

A more technical fan chimed in, referencing the strategic element of the photo. They suggested that attempting a crossover dribble against Jones Jr. on his left side would have been risky, as his right hand was poised for a powerful hook punch. “You can have only one way to crossover on your left. Because on the right there is a hook waiting for you”, they emphasized.

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Many fans expressed their admiration for both athletes. This particular comment exemplifies the widespread appreciation for Jones Jr. and Iverson, reading, “2 most fav athletes growing up.

Another observant enthusiast pointed out the interesting fact that Jones Jr. and Iverson are nearly identical in height, remarking, “Damn almost same height 5’11.” This showcased the impressive physiques of these elite athletes, despite their relatively shorter stature compared to some basketball players.

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Roy Jones Jr.’s social media post reignited memories of a bygone era in sports. Significantly, this outpouring of comments from fans was a testament to the enduring legacy of these two athletic icons, underscoring the special place they hold in the hearts of sports enthusiasts around the world.

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Written by:

Chirag Radhyan

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Chirag Radhyan is a senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports. Having authored close to 2K articles, he is a live-coverage specialist, contributing to the detailed reportage of live boxing events ranging from the Jermell Charlo vs Canelo Alvarez bout to Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis. Moreover, his coverage of the off-court drama between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury received widespread appreciation from readers.
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