[2] Having stopped Derrick Harmon in February 2001 to make the seventh defence in his third reign as Light heavyweight champion (the fourth since unifying all three major belts against Reggie Johnson) Roy Jones Jr. continue to face criticism from some fans and boxing observers for the quality of his opponents.

Some defenced Jones by saying that the division lacked other boxers anywhere near his level, while other suggested that he was cherry picking easier opponents and avoiding potential threats.

[4] Against this backdrop Jones agreed a one fight deal with former promoter Bob Arum for a July bout on PPV in Los Angeles.

His opponent was unbeaten Mexican contender Julio César González, who despite not being wildly known had a strong following amongst Hispanics and had achieved record ratings for his previous bout on Univision.

The first televised bout saw 2000 Olympic Lightweight bronze medallist Cristián Bejarano start slowly but stop Lee Willis in the 4th and final round.

[14] The build up was marked by much trash talking including Mayorga brashly promising that he’d end the fight within 4 rounds.

The 1st round saw both men throwing hard shots, and while many of Mayorga's punches were wild, two solid lefts landed on Lewis.

Referee Marty Denkin immediately stopped the bout and had the ringside doctor examine the cut and it was quickly determined he could not continue.

The following bout saw unbeaten light welterweight prospect Miguel Cotto face durable journeyman Arturo Rodríguez.

[16] Chi was attempting to end a streak of 24 losses in a row by South Korean boxers in world championship fights.

[17][12] HBO's unofficial ringside scorer Harold Lederman scored the fight 116–111 and Dan Rafael of USA Today had it 116–112 both for Morales.

There was a furry of action at the end of the 9th with González landing a sneakily left hook just before the bell, prompting Jones to wink at his corner.

In the final minute of the bout Jones landed a right cross that sent González down for the third time, he again rose but appeared very hurt.

Both men continued to exchange before a left hook to the head had González knocked off balance, despite appearing to be to shaky legs he survived to the final bell At the end of 12 rounds, Jones was awarded a wide 119–106 on two judges' scorecards and 118–107 on the other.

[18][19][20] HBO's unofficial ringside scorer Harold Lederman scored the fight 119–107 and Dan Rafael of USA Today had it both 117–108 for Jones.