The boxing world was sad to learn of the passing of long-time junior middleweight and middleweight Carson Jones at the (far-too-young) age of 38.
Jones succumbed to complications from recent esophageal surgery.
A 66-fight, 19-year pro, Jones, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma would record a workman-like record of 44-16-3 (32 KOs). However, when you look at whom he faced, and the rounds he put in with them, his numbers take on a different perspective. You can see he was a tough out for anyone at the top level of the sport.
Jones turned pro in 2004, and as would be the case throughout his career, he would face anyone, anywhere. He wasn’t looking to pad his record; he was looking to face the best fighters he could. And that he did.
By the time he stepped away from boxing in the fall of 2023, he had accumulated an impressive resume that saw him up against Alfonso Gomez, Jesus Soto Karass, Ricardo Williams Jr., Kell Brook, Steven Butler and Callum Walsh, to name a few.
Jones was certainly a road warrior. He was comfortable heading into opponents’ backyards as he fought all over the United States, along with making 5 trips to England, 2 to Mexico, as well as Canada.
Outside of hardcore boxing fans, fighters like Carson Jones often work away from the spotlight of the stars in the sport they face. But, rugged, talented, and world class-level opposition like Jones are some of the most vital players in the game.
Former world champion and close friend Caleb Truax summed things up best after the passing of Jones – “Rest in paradise to my man. Boxing lost a good one, too early.”
Rest in Peace, champ!
