Only guy I can think of who gave a prime RJJ a pretty tough fight is Montell Griffin in their first fight before the DQ.
Eddie Futch also helped Griffin prepare him against RJJ who managed to get the better of RJJ the first time. Really shows how great of a tactician Futch was.
I think this is right on the money, and would be part of my reasoning as to why Jones, as great as he was, would have all kinds of problems with lots of old time greats.
Yeah Jones had to come back from that one. And I firmly believe he would have won if he had more restraint
A few that come to mind. Montel Griffin was giving RJJ problems for 8 rounds in their 1st fight with his awkward style. Eric Harding gave RJJ problems being a tall rangy Southpaw until RJJ started punching him on his injured arm. Lou Del Valle noticeably buzzed RJJ when he floored him. Bernard Hopkins won a few rounds in their fight. Thats about it so all in all... Griffin gave RJJ his toughest fight in his prime. Del Valle hurt RJJ the most in his prime.
James Toney gave him the biggest scare … when Roy Jr reached for the mashed potatoes at the postfight party buffet.
Have you seen the rematch? And these old time greats never lost a few rounds? Basically, Jones had early trouble, adapted and was ahead on points and on the verge of stopping Griffin when he was DQd. He then blew Hill out in the rematch. If this is the best you can do concerning how beatable someone was, the person is probably as close to unbeatable as it gets.
I think you mean Griffin, rather than Hill. I agree, prime RJJ was as far removed from the field, as any boxer I've seen.