McClellan wins by destruction , b it either early , mid rds or late . McClellan did "soundly beat" (not my words) Roy Jones when d 2 were amateurs and 4 a very long while if not still was d more proven professional . McClellan was a puncher who feasted on other punchers (Jackson , Mugabi , Benn (if not 4 that criminal referee)) and also beat a very good boxer in Sanderline Williams . McClellan lost a 6 rds decision 2 Dennis Milton and was probably robbed of n 8 rds decision against Ralph Ward in which he floored Ward . These 2 read like : McClellan didn't have a very good management @ d beginning of his career .
There r reasons 2y he "soundly beat" Jones in d amateurs and 2y Jones never fought him in d pros . Both of Jones and McClellan knew those reasons .
I see Jones winning a comfortable decision anywhere from 1993 on. McClellan had great power, but wasn't that hard to outbox. He lost damn near every round against Nigel Benn, who isn't known for his defensive skills.. or any skills. Jackson was doing very well until the stoppage, and he gave up 10+lbs. I think Roy has the guile and yes, the chin, to survive and bombs Gerarld lands. The rest of the fight will be like Jones-Toney.
McClellan actually devolved a bit as his career progressed. Really wasn't impressed with his technique in his last few fights. He's super athletic, mean as a pitbull, and a pure puncher, but he was making mistakes that Benn roundly exposed from round 2 on. Roy is too fast and too sharp, and his feet are too good. He'd be WALTZING around Gerald, pasting him with shots. McClellan was a huge puncher, but Roy outboxed and stopped better boxers. All he's got to do is avoid copping a huge one on the chin and he's good.
There are so many great fights that Gerald could of been in back then... McCallum Toney Nunn Eubank Jones
Roy would have both countered and led the whole fight, lightyears faster than Gerald and hit with great concussive power. A total befuddlement that would have ended in a stoppage.
Do you really think Roy was a lesser puncher at Middle than Gerald? Gerald seemed more prone to committing to haymakers while Roy was calculated but I would say their power, while different, was somewhat equal with Roy's being more effective.
I think Mclellan could have given Jones real problems. Murderous puncher with an iron chin, why wouldnt he have ? Jones certainly never faced anyone remotely similar.
On any normal day Jones wins this by wide UD. Something like 10 rounds to 2. But with the right plan I think McClellan could take him. He has the power to hurt him and the chin to take Jones´ punches. He needs to be willing to do so, pressure Jones and take advantage of Roy´s cockyness and flaw of letting himself trapped on the ropes with the high-guard up. Unlikely but possible.
Jones' power at 160 was enormous. It tapered off a little as he rose in weight but at middleweight it was every bit as serious as McClellan or Jacksons imo. Those one punch KO's of Thomas Tate, Sugar Boy Malinga and Art Sewano were devestating and amplified by the speed and accuracy with which they happened. McClellan was a big puncher of course but tended to wing punches and left himself open for counters all the time which was an anethema to Jones who, even when looking for a KO was never ever reckless. I can't see anything other than a complete Jones domination here. Benn had McClellan confused and backing up for large portions of their bout so you could imagine what the much faster,more skilled,more fluid,more mobile and just as powerful Jones would do to him. Jones' natural caution is the only reason I reckon it would go the distance but a wide decision would be the logical result.