Once Jones lost his otherworldly reflexes it was over him. The guy who schooled Ruiz was right before that moment. THAT Jones, the PRIME Jones, not the guy who was already 14 years into his career, is the one up for discussion. Unless you want to talk about the shot Jones. Then you are likely correct.
Excuses, it was the same Jones. Ruiz just fought a terrible fight and paid Jones way too much respect. Peter walks right through Jones. The reality is Jones was not meant for the higher weights classes. By his own admission, he took the one fight against the elite he could win and was out of there. He never had any intention to regularly compete there. At heavyweight, he was less mobile and had no chin.
Oh, I'll agree that Toney's style was better adjusted to the division over a longer run, but beating Ruiz was better than any victory Toney ever got at that weight. Even roided up he was pretty mediocre at heavyweight.
Well Toney did say Peter was the hardest puncher he faced. But his philly shell, shoulder roll, and old school grit was able to deplete the power of his punches.
Excuses, excuses… “Got any excuses tonight Roy!” he was one bout away from suddenly being broken in half and having his prime shattered (like so many Marciano victims) in Antonio “Sugar” Tarver that’s all, he looked fine leading into it Tarver just got’m, it is what it is - he’d never stand a chance against Peter’s… nor would he against 190lbs Toney, that’s a bridge too far for Jones to take on Toney at his real weight.
Getting old is not an excuse. It is an inevitability. SRL was the same age when Terry Norris dismantled him. How many people are lining up to tear down Ray?
In case you didn’t catch on I’m only mocking about with you old buddy, I think Roy Jones is one of the greats.
Well Toney's overall body of work at heavyweight carries the day for me. You also conveniently disregard that Toney beat Ruiz easy. Even when later changed to a NC, it still hs some bearing. Your excuses for the Tarver rematch are also hilarious. Jones was in top shape for the rematch, yet Tarver knocked his ass out. Ruiz fought a terrible fight and just had way too much respect for Roy while Tarver and Johnson did not. Peter shatters Roy's glass jaw. This is just a bridge too far for Roy, who had diminished reflexes and mobility at heavyweight and a considerable size disadvantage. And there is no shame in that.