Rank James Toney, Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins

The voice of reason.

 

I think it varies man, depending on how you feel that certain day lol. All elite greatness each of em. Bhops rise and sustainability of the middleweight crown PLUS what he did at light heavy AND in his later years, rjj 's epic run to heavyweight and illustrious allure of invincibility after tarver 1. And toneys I don't care at what weight "from flyweight to yo momma's weight" he said , he took on all comers.

The three are arguably entertwined. Perhaps a prime for prime round robin woulda been fun in deciding this, however they each did their own thing!!! Bhop: oldest man to win a combat sports championship. Roy: was is still regarded as Superman with crazy reflexes. And toney with his indomitable will to eat, eat, eat, whoever at ANY weight class as long as they were wearing a set of gloves! Perhaps an AI search for who's the best outta the 3 would be a better question left for saukrates!

 

You are talking IBF alphabet ratings Noel. Jones was rated #4 by the Ring and Hopkins #9 around the time they fought. Guys like Jackson, Toney and Reggie Johnson were above them. Guys like McCallum, Kalambay and McClellan were sandwiched between them.

 

Up until the age of 34, there was active, serious discussion on whether Roy should be in the Top Ten all time P4P. Some said he should be above SRR. He didn't just beat every opponent. He absolutely dominated them. He was otherworldly. He hadn't been challenged from '92 against the great Jorge Castro until 12 years later in the return against Tarver when his insane speed and reflexes finally started to betray him for good. We celebrate guys like Marciano, Hagler, Dempsey, Ketchel, so many more who didn't have near that longevity and who didn't near separate themselves from their competition because they provided competitive fights. Roy did not provide competitive fights.

 

Roy
BHop
Toney

And I have Roy above both Leonard and Floyd.

 

Yes @JohnThomas1 i am referring to the IBF ratings as that was the title they were fighting for

 

Why are people ranking Hopkins over Toney? I am mystified. Toney's resume is so much better and he was the more naturally gifted fighter.

 

RJJ, Toney, and Hopkins are imho - "The New Fabulous Four" (although there are three of them).

 

Ok. Jones was of course considered a notably better fighter than Hopkins via respected ratings hence his strong favoritism.

 

We seem to be finding common ground lately.

 

I also agree with 1°Jones 2° Hopkins
3° Toney

Three great champions, in my opinion Jones had superior physical qualities (speed and reflexes). Toney was the one who had the most talent (he was an exceptional counterpuncher) and Hopkins instead was the one with the most Ring IQ. Another fighter who for me deserves to be close to these three is Mike McCallum.

 

Interestingly enough they actually idolized the four. RJJ always rated Leonard and Duran, Toney idolized Tommy, and Hopkins looked up to Marvin.

 

As for the question tho,

Historically:
- RJJ
- Hopkins
- Toney

Personal Favorite:
- Toney
- Hopkins
- RJJ

 

I don’t think Toney’s resume is better. You may be falling for what some people around here call ‘win resume’ as if losses never happened.

Hopkins was far more consistent and far more professional. Toney drifted in and out of peaks and valleys. His highs may have been higher but his lows were far lower.

I’d rate them:

1. Roy Jr












2. Hopkins



3. Toney