Is John Ruiz the easiest matchup for Roy Jones

From 1980 until now is there an easier heavyweight title holder that would be an easier matchup for Roy Jones?

I think Roy Jones wanted to move up to heavyweight to win a title and was waiting for the right opportunity

 

If you're talking about every belt holder from 1980-2003.

Bentt is probably the weakest belt holder from that period that would be easier than Ruiz.

 

At least Bentt could crack a little which might give Roy Jones some problems

 

RJJ could also probably beat some of the belt holders in 80s when they were having an off night.

I would favour RJJ over the Page who fought Tubbs.

And I'd favour RJJ to beat the Witherspoon who didn't turn up vs Bonecrusher.

Mercer of 1991 would probably be too green for RJJ.

Seldon was a weak belt holder aswell but he had a hard jab and a high KO ratio so that would still be a dangerous fight.

 

Ya I guess with Witherspoon what version of him shows up is a variable

Like if he fights Roy Jones instead of a guy he already beat he may show up different

 

There are several possibilities:

Bermane Stiverne, Charles Martin, Lucas Browne, Chris Byrd are all beatable by Roy Jr, I think. I could see him doing to Oliver McCall what he did to Ruiz.

 

Seldon, Maskaev, or Liakovich would be low handing fruit.

 

Yes, I think he'd handle Bentt, long as he doesn't get too flashy and get nailed.

 

I scored that fight emphatically for Ruiz. I thought his work was too far subtle and nuanced for the Greek, Ford and Roth. Bad selection of know-nothing judges doomed Ruiz' sophisticated approach to affairs. In 2005, I submitted a protest to the WBA to review the tape under my direction and explanation, and rescore the fight, a process which I am sure would award a retention of the title to the rightful possessor. I am awaiting their reply.

 

I think Roy would find Byrd.

 

Off the top of my head, Chris Byrd may have been an easier target. I don't like Jones' chance against anyone who packed a punch.

 

It can both be true that Jones hand picked Ruiz AND that it was a good win for him. After all, if it was that easy, more former middleweights would be winning HW straps.

 

That's a fair. A man of that size winning the heavyweight belt, however diluted by the fighter attrition and organizational proliferation, is quite a feat.

 

I can’t say for sure if he’s definitely the “ easiest “ but his style certainly proved to be very ideal for Jones to take advantage of.

 

Byrd would be easier than Ruiz since Ruiz was more capable of hurting Jones.

Early 2000s Holyfield wouldn’t get it done either.