These fighters: Jones Calzaghe Hopkins (version that beat Tarver) Kovalev Ward Hearns (vs Andries) Darius Michael Moorer I deliberately left out names like spinks, Foster, Charles and Moore because guys here would pick those guys by default. I wanted it to be more interesting. I suspect that most would pick Jones or Moorer but I think this is a competitive tournament. Format: Round 1: round robin that determines final 4 seeds Round 2: semi finals Round 3: final
I disagree. RJ is without a doubt the favorite, but Kovy or moorer have a chance to win this also. The rest are hopeless though
Kov would have no chance against a prime Jones, let's be honest. I love Krusher, but circa 97-00 Jones woulda beat him by a mile.
IF prime Jones could take punches...because he will be hit from time to time. Back in the 90s we assumed Jones was unbeatable because we thought he also had a solid chin. We are not so sure of that now. Perhaps Tarver ( and his move back down to 175lbs) caused his chin problems or perhaps he exposed them. That's what we don't know for certain. Kovalev is much better than anyone Jones fought at 175lbs and so he would likely nail that chin more often than Richard Hall, Telesco and other guys that Roy fought.
As long as Iran Barkley doesn't enter the tournament, I give Hearns the overall best chance of winning it. I make him the favorite vs. Jones, Calzaghe, Ward, and Dariusz and at least 50-50 vs. Kova and Hopkins. Moorer is too much of an unknown quantity due to his lack of quality opposition at the weight.
