RJJ v beat Ruiz Toney beat him before it was called a NC, and he also beat an old Holyfield How would have BHOP done? Forget about Prime Tyson's or the Klitchko's. What about Hagler vs Pinklon Thomas or Tim Witherspoon? Imagine a prime RJJ vs Michael Moorer at HW
Hagler has no chance against either of Witherspoon or Thomas IMHO. Hagler (quite rightly) didn't fancy Spinks at 175.... RJJ against Moorer is interesting!!!!!
Well the ones that did it were far removed from being middleweights. Jones being a long time LHW and Toney CW. Im sure Hopkins could have done the 'treble' on Ruiz lol.
I think a lot could have beat Ruiz because he was never that heavy and wasn't that tall either. I still don't think many would have been able to though. Sure they would be able to clearly outbox them in sparring but in an actual fight be it 12 or 15 rounds, size and strength would almost definitely play a factor and even the smaller greats would struggle against just above average big guys.
Moorer, like Norton, seemed troubled by those who could really put a dent on him. Roy doesn't fit this profile IMO, and I think Moorer is athletic enough to get to him at some point. I think he's unlikely to dissuade Moorer and put him out of his stride. Hagler indeed didn't want any of his Spinks, all credit to him because he wasn't a massive middleweight anyway and Spinks was a BEAST! Still, Haglers chin/skill, I don't think he's getting sparked, but he ain't having much success either. Thomas and Witherspoon? I wouldn't pick him against Chagaev Greb would've beaten Dempsey IMO.
Jim Braddock would beat Monzon. Ezzard Charles was a great middle/light heavy that did the job against a faded great. Depending on how you view him (I'm not too big on him) Jim Corbett was one of the weakest HW champs of all time. And a great Middleweight demolished him. It's not out of the question but some of the legendary 'career' Middleweights? Some of those that had success at light heavy wouldn't be able to either. I can't see Dick Tigers powerhouse routine having too much of an effect on say, Valuev can you? But there have been many instances of middleweights rising through light heavy to take wins about notable Heavyweights. Jones' fest wasn't massively impressive when you take the opponent into account, it was a good performance though and a decent win on the resume. Toneys displays at Heavyweight deserve more accolades IMO, especially considering his Years in the wilderness at 175 before he got balmck into his groove with Jirov at Cruiser. And really, 'roids for the Ruiz fight? They make you train harder, when has Toney ever wanted to do that? :rofl
