By John F. McKenna (McJack): Undefeated Mike Jones (25-0, 19 KO’S) moved one step closer to a potential showdown with Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) when he went home to Philadelphia Saturday night to TKO Raul Munoz (22-14-1, 16 KO’s) in the 2nd round at the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia.

The first round was a feeling out process for both fighters, but when the bell sounded for the 2nd round Jones immediately went to work landing a number of hard body shots. As the round progressed, it was clear that Jones had figured out Munoz’ style as he began to unload his heavy artillery. Jones landed a devastating left hook to the head of Munoz in the latter part of the round driving him to one knee. Moments later the referee was forced to stop the fight. The end came with fifty seconds remaining in the 2nd round.

A native of Kansas, the 5’9” Munoz is seen as a club fighter and was not expected to give Jones a major problem. Instead the fight was seen as a “stay busy” fight.

Earlier this week Top Rank promoter Bob Arum announced that Mike Jones’ name would be placed on a list of potential future opponents for WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, so in that context it was important that Jones put on an impressive performance.

One of the negatives of putting together a match between Pacquiao and Jones is Jones’ height. At 5’11’ he has a 4 ½” height advantage over Manny. Since 2008, in his last eight fights, Pacquiao has only faced two opponents who enjoyed a similar height advantage over Pacquiao, those being Antonio Margarito at 5’11” and Oscar De Lahoya at 5’10”.

Jones is hoping to be on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Marquez fight in November in Las Vegas. That would go a long way towards giving him the much needed exposure he needs to be taken seriously as an opponent for Pacquiao.

Jones is also aware that he needs to fight at least two legitimate contenders to be able to cope with Pacquiao’s overwhelming advantage in experience and to give him name recognition. Jones benefits from training in the same gym in Philadelphia as the legendary Bernard Hopkins.

A title shot at Manny Pacquiao would be a dream come true for the 28 year old Jones.

He would like nothing better than to add to the history of Philadelphia’s fistic greatness as a fight town by returning with Manny’s title belt.