Could Prime RJJ replicate Ali's gameplan vs Liston?

Clay/Ali wasn't a big puncher but he hit a lot harder than RJJ. Even Sonny said he was amazed how hard Ali hit. Sonny will shrug off anything that RJJ throws at him .

 

The only issue is size. I'd feel RJJ could replicate Ali's gameplan if he wanted but with not as much effectiveness. a prime RJJ would be better off executing an original game plan against the ugly bear, because physically he does not resemble Ali enough to jab Liston from the outside in the same way as Ali. I'd pick RJJ to win, but I think it'd be harder fought. RJJ just won't have power.

He could out point Liston... but Liston was also renowned for cutting off the ring, it'd be hard for RJJ to maintain much momentum when he has to spend the entire fight evading Liston's left jab.

 

It could replicate the bout between Sonny Liston vs Eddie Machen on Sept 7 1960 when Sonny outpointed Eddie on points.

 

I respectfully disagree. RJJ would have the same level of success as Bob Foster when he moved up in weight against elite heavies. He felt their punches. They didn't really feel his. We aren't talking about John Ruiz. We're talking about a bubble top ten ATG HW

 

For those interested in size, RJJ needed all of Shilstone's wizardry to come in 20 pounds lighter than Liston's natural fighting weight.

Moderns' major advantage is usually in training sophistication and physicality. Jones doesn't have that over Liston. He *does* have unique talent, but I don't know that's enough.

Liston beats Jones.

 

Thats a really solid point.

 

RJJ has no chance against the most terrifying heavyweight ever. Rope a dope is not working at all.
Glass chin, roided RJJ will have his soul taken for good.

 

Would it be a point of fact or at least majority opinion that IF Jones pulled this hypothetical off it would far exceed anything he did in his actual career?

IMO, it would, and therefore any projected success for Roy here would be an extensive extrapolation without any solid basis.

As soon as Liston “dips” his gloves into Roy’s head it’s over.

“If you wanna lose your Cajones then bet ‘em on Jones!”

 

There was a thread where more than one poster thought James Toney would be competitive with prime George Foreman.

 

No RJJ isn't a 6'3 78 inch reach Heavyweight, who can dance around the ring for 3 minutes of a round. John Bloody Ruiz was able to hit Jones early and shake him up a bit at Heavyweight, you don't think Sonny Liston with his 84 inch reach poleaxe of a jab wouldn't find RJJ ?

 

I haven’t see that thread but, without necessarily suggesting success or no success against GF, Toney is a different stylistic kettle of fish as compared to Jones and a bit more proven against the bigger opp - not least for his displaying a far better set of chops which is a must at the higher weight unless you’re fighting the notably impotent version of Ruiz that Jones engaged.

 

Jones will look great.

Until Liston hits him.

 

Fix the fight? Yes

 

Roy Jones was light years faster than Liston and more skilled. But I really think that Sonny’s overwhelming 84” reach and fierce power would ultimately negate Jones’ advantages. The prospect of Roy outboxing him to a win isn’t impossible, but the more likely outcome is him getting knocked out.