Is John Ruiz the easiest matchup for Roy Jones

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Joeywill, Jul 23, 2025.


  1. Joeywill

    Joeywill Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,350
    3,200
    Aug 2, 2021
    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
     
  2. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    17,711
    38,309
    Jan 14, 2022
    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.
     
  3. Joeywill

    Joeywill Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,350
    3,200
    Aug 2, 2021
    At least Bentt could crack a little which might give Roy Jones some problems
     
    Reinhardt, impacted and Fergy like this.
  4. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    17,711
    38,309
    Jan 14, 2022
    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.
     
    impacted, Fergy, Smoochie and 2 others like this.
  5. Joeywill

    Joeywill Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,350
    3,200
    Aug 2, 2021
    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
     
    Dynamicpuncher likes this.
  6. Saintpat

    Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    24,612
    29,330
    Jun 26, 2009
    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.
     
  7. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Loyal Member

    31,949
    42,982
    Jul 4, 2014
    Seldon, Maskaev, or Liakovich would be low handing fruit.
     
  8. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

    32,321
    40,427
    Jan 8, 2017
    Yes, I think he'd handle Bentt, long as he doesn't get too flashy and get nailed.
     
    Joeywill likes this.
  9. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

    66,169
    53,596
    Feb 11, 2005
    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.
     
  10. Rollin

    Rollin Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,524
    7,244
    Nov 17, 2021
    I think Roy would find Byrd.
     
    MarkusFlorez99 likes this.
  11. FighterInTheWind

    FighterInTheWind Active Member Full Member

    581
    665
    Mar 27, 2019
    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.
     
  12. KO_King

    KO_King Horizontal Heavyweight Full Member

    935
    2,012
    Apr 16, 2023
    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.
     
    FighterInTheWind likes this.
  13. FighterInTheWind

    FighterInTheWind Active Member Full Member

    581
    665
    Mar 27, 2019
    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.
     
    KO_King likes this.
  14. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    52,209
    27,705
    Jan 3, 2007
    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.
     
    Pugguy likes this.
  15. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

    29,639
    20,164
    Apr 3, 2012
    Byrd would be easier than Ruiz since Ruiz was more capable of hurting Jones.

    Early 2000s Holyfield wouldn’t get it done either.
     
    MarkusFlorez99 likes this.