I used to think he was green, overrated and would lose to six, seven, or even eight guys. I've sort of flip flopped and would only pick him to lose to like two or three guys. What say you guys? I've seen him favoured over everyone, to losing to guys like Nunn and Hearns. So I'm looking for a range of answers.
He was green at middleweight early on. But in his final fight at 160, when he annihilated Thomas Tate, I think he was prime. That particular version of Jones... I dunno if I can see any middleweight beating him. Hagler and Monzon are the only guys with a legit chance.
The Nunn thing I can't see. I used to see it when I was younger, and higher on Nunn, but nowadays? Nah. Roy would have beaten Nunn.
I think Nunn was the one guy on Roy’s level talent wise. He just wasn’t on the same wavelength mentally. Anyways, I also think Roy had hit his prime by the end of his run at Middleweight. I think he entered into it after getting his first title fight out of the way against Hopkins. It was just too small a window for me to have a strong opinion one way or another against the all time greats. The fights between Hopkins and Tate were all at Super Middle.
To me, it's a similar situation as trying to rank Henry Armstrong at FW - they both came into their primes while fighting above the weight, dropped back down for a title fight, and then moved back up for good.
I don't think monzon matches well with roy. It would be a cautious affair, but im pretty sure he lands the cleaner punches and take a close one. Hagler in the other hand....
I do agree that stylewise Hagler has a better chance against Jones than Monzon Early 80s Hagler, of course. Roy soundly beats the 86-87 Hagler.
Yeah, I agree Jones is bad for Monzon. Monzon relied on controlling his opponents, the distance and pace. I don't think that works against Jones, since Jones is better at that sorta thing, and quicker to boot. I think he'd beat Monzon to the punch more than not in a slow-pace chess-match. Through a similar train of thought, so is Hopkins. Hagler is the guy I'd pick to KO Jones with confidence. When Hagler gets aggressive, I think that bullishness and toughness is awful for Jones, and it'd only be a matter of time before Hagler takes him out. Especially considering Jones liked to fight off the ropes and wouldn't have a prayer in out-muscling Hagler. The other guys I'd pick over Jones are Robinson and maybe Steele. Robinson can keep up with Jones and out-jab him, and can definitely set up a KO, which I think he'll do. Steele may be able to do that as well, but I'm not sure. Jones could just school him. I don't think Nunn or Hearns last long vs Jones. Nunn's height and style would likely mean Jones has to be aggressive. With how devastating Jones' offensive could be, I don't think Nunn lasts long against Jones who's going at him as fast as he can like he did in the Griffin rematch. Hearns would be similar, but I think it's likely that he's more aggresive. Jones could nail him with a counter and take him out IMO. I saw Valdez given a maybe on ESB. I think it's ridiculous to actually pick him, but I can actually see Jones getting KOed vs Valdez. If he nails him like he did Briscoe or Monzon, I'm sure he could take Jones out. Very different thing to actually do it though. I've seen loads of people picking McClellan over RJJ. Honestly, I can't anything but McClellan getting the shit beaten out of him. I'm not picking anybody I can't watch over Jones. It's way too big of a gamble to say that they're good enough.
Yeah, Roy would just be too quick for Monzon. Hagler? He has the greater pedigree, of course. But I still see Roy out pointing him, much as it pains me to say it. He was 168 pounders fighting at 160. Hagler was 157/58 fighting at 160 so the weight difference is a consideration. Roy had enough power to discourage even someone as tough and iron-jawed as Marvin. No question who is greater at the weight but H2H? I think Roy takes him on points too.
