NEW YORK -- Roy Jones Jr. is going to play Radio City Music Hall.

He will be accompanied by David Telesco on Jan. 15 in the first boxing match ever at the legendary showplace.

Jones' defense of the undisputed light heavyweight championship of the world was announced Monday at the Music Hall, where a string quartet played and chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne were served.

The two fighters, wearing tuxedos, walked down a staircase to the dais arm-in-arm with two Rockettes.

The fight, announced in between performances of the Christmas Show, will be held in the Music Hall because on Jan. 15 the NBA's New York Knicks will be playing in Madison Square Garden. The Garden and the Music Hall are owned by Cablevision.

Promoter Murad Muhammad said that when it was suggested by Garden officials that the fight be held in the Music Hall, "I thought about it for a second."

It was announced that 5,500 seats will be available for the fight that will be televised by HBO.

"This is a dream I've thought about for years, many years," said the 31-year-old Telesco, 23-2, with 19 knockouts.

He has been after Jones for some time to give him a shot.

"Sometime you've got to watch out for what you wish for, you might get it," said the 30-year-old Jones, 40-1 with 33 knockouts. "I hope he comes to do his best that night. I'll come to do my best, and when I come to do my best bad things happen to the other side."

The telecast will begin at 9:30 p.m. ET. A 10-round heavyweight match between David Izon of Ghana and Derrick Jefferson will precede the main event.