By Alexander Pavlov

Promoter Don King is warning fans not to overlook the ability of cruiserweight veteran Guillermo Jones (38-3-2, 30KOs) of Panama. On May 17th at the Crocus City Hall in Russia, Jones will challenge WBA cruiserweight king Denis Lebedev (25-1, 19KOs). Last year Jones was stripped of the title when he failed to make his mandatory defense against Lebedev, who was the interim-champion and was later given full title status.

"Guillermo is a tiger who has not been fed for a long time. He truly has an appetite. And he wants meat.....Russian meat. Jones is incredibly hungry. A lot of fighters were scared of him and ran to heavyweight. Yes, he is forty-one years old - but think of the story. George Foreman became the world champion at nearly forty-six. Bernard Hopkins won the title at forty-eight. Therefore, I say to you that a boxer who is up there in years can teach a young guy a lesson. Lebedev has got talent and he should be taken very seriously, and he has a great promoter. Denis has the talent and necessary skills to defeat Guillermo. However, I believe that Jones will enter the ring with the status of being a champion and he will leave with the same status. I think that on May 17 we will find an answer to all of your burning questions," King said.

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru.