How would this have gone down? Both in their Prime at HW. Jones obviously was a small HW but Ali was no giant. Both had fantastic reflexes and speed but of course Ali had the power advantage. I see a UD for Ali with Jones having his moments and winning 4 of 12
C'mon Ali fought in a prehistoric era against neanderthal opponents! Although there is some color footage of him, it is the black and white film we have that exposes his many flaws. There is just no way that with modern nutrition and training methods that he could possibly go more than 4 with RJJ (Y'all musta forgot!)....When will you old timers give it up! Unless you meant Jr. poison Jones...then Ali might last 8!
I see Ali easily beating Jones by stoppage. Jones best weight would have been 28 lbs or more lower than Ali's. Beating the likes of a moderate big man,such as John Ruiz,is one thing but one of the greats,arguably THE greatest is another.
I think I've posted on this matchup before and I still think Ali wins this fight clearly, by UD. I think the primest Jones between MW and LHW would give any version Ali a good fight. Jones has the speed to keep up with Ali and at that time in his career he could get away with the Apollo Creed stuff. Don't know for how long against Ali. Jones would win some rounds and the exchanges could be electric. The other way I see this fight happening is a long, dull, boring, contest where both fighters do nothing more than make the opponent miss. Ali still wins by UD or late KO, but Jones has his moments. Might even have Ali in a bit of trouble early in the fight.