Heavyweight Roy Jones Jr vs Max Schmelling H2H

Prime-for-prime this is a tough style match for Schmeling. He was a smart, patient counterpuncher with a great right hand — the same shot that dropped Joe Louis — and he was tough, well-conditioned, and fundamentally sound. But he wasn’t fast, and that’s the nightmare here.

Roy in his prime was a different level of athlete — ridiculous reflexes, hand speed, and the ability to hit from angles not just Schmeling never saw, but few fighters in Roy’s own era ever saw. He was that unique a fighter. Schmeling liked to think, set traps, and pick his spots, but Roy wouldn’t give him the time or the position to do it. He’d be in and out, pot-shotting, moving, and making Schmeling reset all night.

Could Schmeling catch him? Sure — if he timed that right hand perfectly, he had the power to hurt Roy, especially if we’re talking light heavy or heavyweight Roy. But more likely, Roy banks round after round, makes Schmeling look slow, and either wins a wide decision or stops him late from speed and accumulation.

Heavyweight Roy (like vs Ruiz) is more hittable and slower, so Schmeling’s chances go up a bit, but I still think Roy’s speed and athleticism carry the fight.