March Badness: Roy Jones Jr. returns to …the Octagon???

For the first time ever, fans will get their first real taste of what boxing and MMA will look like on the same fight card at 9pm ET tonight. Eight-time world boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. may not be ready to sport four-ounce gloves himself, but he is eager to promote the fighters who do.

For Jones Jr’s entire interview regarding the promotion go to FOX Sports. Here is a sample:

Square Ring: What about Omar Sheika?

Roy Jones Jr.: Sheika is a tough competitor. … He comes to fight every time. He fights off the able and he even beat a guy that beat me. He beat Glen Johnson. If I can’t get Glen Johnson right now, I’ll take the next best thing — Omar Sheika.

Square Ring: Do you want Johnson again?

Roy Jones Jr.: Most definitely.

Square Ring: How is training going?

Roy Jones Jr.: Training is going wonderful. I’m feeling good. I never thought I’d be the baddest thing walking around at 40 years old but I am still the baddest. And I still look good on top of it. That’s what really surprised me. I didn’t think I would stay this cute for this long.

Square Ring: Will you promote MMA only cards?

Roy Jones Jr.: We have an all MMA card next month. I don’t know (who’s on it) right now. I can tell you about it after this fight. Right now I am focusing on Omar Sheika because he is a wonderful fighter and he’s a hard puncher. But my guys know more about it right now.

“March Badness” will feature Jones Jr. in his latest homecoming fight, a light heavyweight tilt against the always tough Omar Sheika. The event will take place in Jones’ backyard at the Pensacola Civic Center and will air on pay-per-view for just $29.95.

Headlining the MMA portion of the card will be a fight between former IFL and EliteXC alum Roy Nelson and former UFC menace and anarchist Jeff Monson.

Also featured is former WWE star Bobby Lashley taking on Jason Guida, a late replacement for Ken Shamrock, who was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission for steroid use.

Ken Shamrock's suspended for 'roids but this guy isn't???

Roy Jones’ mission is clear: to “bring together” the two combat sports. Whether or not this united we stand, divided we fall mantra lifts the sport to unprecedented heights remains to be seen, we all know that seeing is believing…or is it?

Whether or not hardcore or mainstream fans buy into the cross-promoting concept will quickly determine its financial fate.

The hybrid MMA/boxing fan remains a rare beast in the world of combat sports and this event will likely be a tough sell for those who have strong allegiance to one religion or the other, but you should tune in if possible to at least see the greatest pound-for-pound fighter possibly in the history of the sport of boxing.