LAS VEGAS — For nearly 10 rounds Randall Bailey versus Mike Jones was one of the worst “title fights” ever broadcast on pay-per-view. The undefeated Mike Jones was wary of engaging due to his opponent’s well-known punching power. And Bailey’s reflexes were so dulled by age that he couldn’t land any counter shots or mount any significant offense for that matter.
That was until Bailey lowered the boom… twice.
Bailey didn’t land a significant punch until the closing seconds of the 10th, but he sure made it count. He punched through Jones with a straight right that deposited the Philly native flat on his back. Jones got up cognizant and slightly embarrassed as he made his way back to the corner. Jones regained control for most of the 11th, hitting Bailey with flailing power and short hooks inside. Bailey was too slow to counter, but he remained patient for another opening.
That said opening came off a lazy Jones left jab that was countered by a horrific right uppercut that exploded Jones’ nose and mouth into a canvas of blood. He crashed backward to the canvas and was able to struggle to his knees before falling back down, which prompting referee Tony Weeks to end matters.
The win makes Randall Bailey the IBF welterweight champion, a title that was vacated earlier this year by Andre Berto to make way for his now aborted rematch showdown with Victor Ortiz. Mike Jones suffers his first professional defeat.
There’s already been a number of KO of the Year contenders posted here. As of now, this one is at the top of the list.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 