THE BEST POUND FOR POUND? NO, JUST THE BEST

The best fighter in the world has a nightclub act, a basketball fetish, a role in a movie and the quickest set of hands this side of Bennie the Pickpocket.

The best fighter in the world talks too fast, says too much, thinks he can sing and would like to play in the NBA when this crazy boxing gig is over.

The best fighter in the world loves Miami, likes the Oakland Raiders, has more money than First Union and is afraid he’ll become bored if all he does is fight.

Roy Jones Jr., isn’t the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Right now, he’s simply the best fighter in the world, the same way Sugar Ray Robinson was the best fighter in the world when he was in his prime.

Pound-for-pound? Forget about it. That’s excess baggage. The best fighter in the world is the one who makes you catch your breath, shake your head and speak in whispers. He’s the one who is so good, you almost wish he would lose just to convince yourself no one could be - or should be - that good.

For awhile, Felix Trinidad held the title. But Bernard Hopkins proved Tito put his pants on one wobbly leg at a time just like the rest of us. Than Sugar Shane Mosley was discovered to actually have a heart instead of a set of pistons.

Who’s the best now?

Put it this way. When the best fighter in the world takes on Australia’s Glen Kelly on Saturday night, he’ll be fighting a guy he says is big and a big puncher. At least that’s according to the rumors he’s heard. But that’s about all Jones knows or cares to know about the next guy to bite the bullet. Jones makes it sound like he won’t know what Kelly looks like until he steps into the ring with him in Miami. Then he’ll adjust as the fight goes on.

At least that’s what the best fighter in the world wants us to believe.

Asked during last week’s conference call how long he was going to continue fighting, the best fighter in the world dropped this one on us.

“I just want to fight until someone beats me,’’ he said. “But I don’t think that’s going to happen unless I fight to the year 2040.’’

Easy, Roy. You know that “best fighter in the world’’ title you now own more or less by attrition? Sorry pal. Don’t get too attached to it. Don’t expect a long relationship. That title has jilted more guys than a room full of prom queens.

Ask Shane or Tito how it broke their hearts.