One of the more winnable fights for Jones at HW. But Ellis was a good boxer, with good fundamentals and he had a cracking sneak right hand that could pose major issues for Jones. This is actually a really interesting matchup for me because while I dont really rate Jones, especially at HW, this is winnable and while I dont really rate Ellis very highly the things he brought to the table could spell trouble for Jones. It would be a really interesting fight for me.
Jones was definitely slower at Heavy than he was at 175, and Ellis is definitely no John Ruiz, so I'll go Ellis.
Jones wasn't a Heavy; he fought a tailor made Ruiz. Forget the Jimmy, overblown LH BS. He had a four fight run of wins: Martin/Bonavena/Quarry/Patterson. As well as a great effort against Frazier in early 70. I'm the eras guy but I won't even comment on that. Roy Jones (despite eras) IMO would not have survived that. Please stop the "Roy could have been a great HW BS!"
jones is probably losing this one narrowly on points, ellis was a bona fide champion if ali hadn't been around. He might even get stopped, remember we are talking a genuine top world class hw. cant rule him out though, he might skrraype a points victory with some luck. He'd not win a return.
I think Jones was faster, more skilled and more athletic. And jimmy wouldn't get the full benefit of being a heavyweight as he wasn't a natural in that class himself nor terribly big either.. Roy Jones by wide unanimous decision.
I think Roy is in hot water here Elllis is a good heavy that can box well not mindlessly run in to Roy's sharp counters. I bet he can punch harder than Tarver can as well.
I agree with those seeing this as a dangerous fight for Roy, Jimmy had decent speed and knew distance well, both of which let him tag many with his lead right hand. Roy might get stopped but if it goes the distance it would be close either way.
I've always Liked Jimmy' s chances here, Its not just that Ambush right hand Roy would have to worry about. when Jimmy cut loose with Combinations he was very fast and accurate. I like the way he comes straight and stamps his authority on Leotis Martin for Instance, as a Lt Heavy Jimmy was racking up some spectacular Ko's ala Johnny Persol, at Heavy i would not put Roy's chin on a par with Chavalo Bonavena Frazier Ali..etc etc.. If Jimmy finds it right he is in trouble.. I think Roys gets 'Jolted' a few times and plays it safe..to lose on points..
Jimmy wouldn't just deck Roy,...he'd ko him ala Persol. He would be so used to firing at that elusive head of Ali's.
I can't see Ellis having any real advantage. Both men began their careers as middleweights with the one difference being that Roy actually had success in the divisions below heavyweight. Ellis didn't. And Jimmy wasn't a particularly devastating hitter at any point in his career. Most even feel that an aged Floyd Patterson deserved the nod against him. Of course I acknowledge that this would be a tough fight for Jones and he could certainly lose. But to make this out as a one sided blow out for Ellis is something I can't see the rationale behind. Jones was clearly the faster, more athletic and skilled of the two. Any a good number of the light heavys and cruisers he defeated were close to the same size as Jimmy's heavyweight victims.