Calz does have a win over Hopkins. But Jones beat a closer to prime Hops and went all the way to HW to lift a belt. The version of RJJ that Calz beat was at the very end of his career and far removed from prime. But, Calz should definitely be in the conversation.
BHop was very good for longer but prime vs prime it’s no contest. RJJ was a special fighter even though he tarnished his legacy by sticking around long after his shelf life expired. Hopkins also boxed at an old age but he stayed good for a longer time. I’m a fan of both guys and it’s not a slam on Hop. He was disciplined and got the best of his skills. RJJ was gifted and so athletic. When he was at his best, he’d give any MW in history problems. I miss the days when guys like BHop and Roy would fight on free TV.
I think roy. If roy jones is not widely regarded today as one of the best ATGs is because he overextended his career way too much.
Roy. By resume. By prime h2h. By skills (the eye test). By any measure you care to use. By dental work...etc.
Roy is near the top end of 10-20 All-time. If he'd retired after Ruiz, or even Tarver 1, the debate would centre on where to place him in the top ten. I wouldn't be surprised if twenty or thirty years hence, he will be generally seen in the top ten.
Are you a casual? Joe busted his hands by the end of his career. he had decent power earlier on and despite that still finished unbeaten with a 69.6% KO ratio. Hardly feather fisted.
Roy's better than Bernard both H2H and went through more divisions and was far more dominent when prime. Roy spoils it some by staying on too long and getting KO'd several times Bernard was more consistant but for me spent most of his career at Middle despite starting and finishing his career at Light Heavy. This to me was to bully the smaller guys coming up from the lower weights and being the bigger guy. Roy for me but I can see others picking Bernard for his longeveity and run at Middle.