So let’s hop in the Delorean with Doc Brown and the 2003 version of Roy Jones. Let us head back to 1985 to take on the then 48-0 Larrry Holmes, Jones will assume the Spinks role here. Jones weighed 193 when he fought Ruiz, but if memory serves he was fully clothed at the weigh in. Jones never really looked much like a LHW to me even while at LHW. He always looked more like a big Middleweight even while at LHW. Now Jones had ridiculous speed and athleticism of course and good power for MW/LHW. But could he duplicate the Spinks effort? Both fighters were unique. The main thing that always comes to mind with Spinks is his herky jerky awkward style, which was extremely effective against Holmes. He continually was able to break Holmes’s rythem. Jumping in with hooks, jabs to the body, he kept Larry uncomfortable all night. Larry never knew where Spinks was going to attack from. Now Jones I wouldn’t call awkward but he was definitely not text book either. He did it his way, he had such speed and athleticism. RJJ was a one of a kind freak athlete in a boxing ring. He had unbelievable reflexes, you could barely lay a glove on Roy. He would smash you with quick combos leaping in and out so quickly you hardly had time to counter. So, COULD HE????
Larry would have jabbed Ruiz to death also. And tied him up as soon as Ruiz got inside. Easy decision win for Larry. The guy Holmes fought, would have caused problems for Jones. A lot more to worry about than Ruiz offered. Jones' low hands would have him getting hit more often by Holmes than he would be landing anything Larry. Lead left hooks and lead right hands--especially those lead right hands from way on the outside---not a good punch against a Larry Holmes because his defense of parrying punches will block everything.
Holmes had slipped enough to allow Roy to make himself look bad but he still has enough to beat him. He's slow enough to miss a few shots but fast enough to land enough. Roy slips the jab and right for a few rounds but Holmes eventually traps him in the corner and finishes him.
