The long overdue rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. will probably be the talk amongst boxing fans this week but not for reasons either men would like. The two  veterans stepped into the ring 17 years after their first meeting and in front of a lonely 6792 fans at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, fought a slow calculated chess match that would be marred by fouls.

Hopkins (51-5-1, 32 KOs) would go on to do just enough to pull out a unanimous decision over Jones (54-7, 40 KOs) who seemed content with just going the distance. The fact that both men seemed happy to go 12 was surprising since both had previously predicted knockouts.

Hopkins managed to do just enough to secure the first five rounds which doesn't say much since Jones did absolutely nothing. Things finally heated up in round 6 after Hopkins went down from a punch to the back of the head, then after a small delay went after Jones and continued to fight long after the bell. Both fighters had to be restrained by security that had jumped into the ring. Unfortunately that would be the highlight of the night. Jones would later retaliate for a shot behind the head with his own that sent Hopkins to the canvas was again for a delay. The third breather... I mean delay would be caused by a borderline low blow in round ten. Hopkins was again allowed time to recover. Jones sustained a second cut due to a headbutt in the 11th which was looked at by the ringside physician, again bringing a halt to the action... or un-action.  An even slower 12 round made it clear that both men are not the fighters they once were. The fight would come to an end to the tune of the booing crowd. Scores were 117-110, 117-110, 118-109.

“I was seeing spots in the sixth round,” Hopkins said. “I felt I got hit in the back of the head and my legs went and I started seeing spots"

“I kind of got behind. I was trying to knock him out" Jones Said "I was worried the first time" Jones added when asked about possibly getting disqualified.

After the fight Hopkins put on his promoters hat and called out David Haye who had earlier beaten John Ruiz, coincidentally from shots to the back of the head... That would be interesting... ok maybe not.

That fight may never happen according to Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaffer "For Bernard, it could be a good ending, He got his revenge, and he waited 17 years to end it. It could be something which as a friend I would advise him to consider. ... I think it’s time for his friends and family to have a serious talk with him.”

Hopkins and Jones were both taken to the hospital after the fight, Jones due to the cuts and Hopkins after he reportedly collapsed in the locker room.