So why not say “no” once in a while? After the fight with Benitez in December, Jaynes planned on returning in April, but when Smith needed an opponent and the phone rang, he picked it up.
“It’s one of those things where I wanted the notice, but I feel like a drug addict,” he laughs. “I want to take some time off, but someone offers it to me and I’m like, let’s go. I’m addicted to fighting, I’m addicted to the adrenaline, I’m addicted to competition. We got an opportunity to fight on the biggest stage in the world against some of the best fighters in the world, and what an opportunity for me to go up against another slugger with a long, rangy style, and see what I can do. And hopefully, we get a little extra cheddar at the end of the night.”
Hall of fame boxing trainer and manager Cus D’Amato famously said, “People who are born round don’t die square.” Justin Jaynes is who he is, and he’s not ashamed of any of it.
“I’m very happy that I’ve been able to show that when I show up, I’m gonna blow up,” he said. “I’m swinging leather, I’m hurting people and I’m not afraid to get hurt. I want people excited to watch me fight whether I win or lose.”
As for an April return…
“You might see me before that.”