Mike Jones sets August return to ring
Former welterweight title contender Mike Jones will end a 26-month layoff and return to the ring on Aug. 23. The 31-year-old from Mt. Airy has not fought since being knocked out in May of 2012 by Randall Bailey for the vacant International Boxing Federation title. Jones (26-1, 19 knockouts) will meet Jaime Herrera (11-2, six KOs) at Bally's Atlantic City.
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Former welterweight title contender Mike Jones will end a 26-month layoff and return to the ring on Aug. 23.
The 31-year-old from Mt. Airy has not fought since being knocked out in May of 2012 by Randall Bailey for the vacant International Boxing Federation title. Jones (26-1, 19 knockouts) will meet Jaime Herrera (11-2, six KOs) at Bally's Atlantic City.
Against Bailey, Jones was well ahead on all three scorecards when he was knocked down late in the 10th round with a straight right hand. In the final seconds of the 11th round, Bailey connected with a thudding right uppercut to end the fight.
Afterward, Jones broke contact with his trainer, promoter and manager. The fighter declined several matches. He pulled out of a fight last summer after tickets were printed with his name on them. His promoter, Russell Peltz, was directed to negotiate future bouts with Jones' lawyer.
"Two years late for work but it's better late never," said Jones in a statement. ". . . I've always stayed in shape. I've been ready to fight for some time, but I didn't like the terms. I cannot wait forever."
@matt_breen