I got Bugner. I know RJJ won a heavyweight title against Ruiz but Bugner is just a bit too big in my opinion. I think, even with his defense first style he finds a way to use his size to push Roy around. Bugner gets a bit of criticism but he was a world class guy in the greatest era.
If we take the much disputed victory over Ruiz (and let's be honest, John schooled him), then Roy has all the pedigree possible in this match.
I remember the calls from Ruiz’s corner during the Jones Jr fight: - “John, don’t do something, JUST stand there!” If for nothing else, I give The Quiet Man credit for strictly adhering to his corner’s advice. A lot of other fighters lack such disipline. 1) Prime Bugner - easy decision. 2) “Aussie Joe” version, properly honed on the mean streets of Sydney - victory by brutal KO, round 2.
As an aside, Bugner plays a solid role as a standover man in the Aussie comedy film Gettin' Square. It's an underrated film from the early 2000's that has a bit of a cult following these days.
I like Joe, with a bit of a mean streak maybe, beating Jones and lumping his face up. Bugner by decision
