What light-heavyweight since prime Jones Jr could beat him?

Antonio Tarver.

 

Joe Calzaghe, he was lineal/Ring Magazine

 

They're all considerable underdogs against him. Ward probably has the best chance, because he has the style and habits which could see him replicate Griffin's tactics from his first fight against Roy, which was basically the only time Roy looked even vaguely beatable until he came back down from Heavy. Mixing up the range, finding a balance between attack and defence, able to push Jones to the ropes occasionally etc. Ward's a shade quicker than Griffin, too, which is a nice little extra thrown into the bargain.

Not sure Ward could handle Jones' power though, just as Griffin couldn't in either fight, really. Excellent though his performance was in the first fight, and correct as the disqualification was too, I have no doubt that he'd have been stopped soon after (albeit there wasn't much time left in the round). Also have to factor in that as good as Griffin was, Jones was a little sub-par by his very high standards.

Just don't think there's been a 175 pounder in the same league since him yet. As I mentioned the other day, I still have my reservations about Beterbiev.

 

Adonis Stevenson in 2013-2014 would have been a dangerous proposition. Fast handed southpaw with a big punch... Not that I’d favor him but he’d be a risk

 

Please do not say Canelo Alvarez.

 

I actually think Gvozdyk would have the best chance, and after that Kovalev. Betervievs kryptonite, from what Ive seen of his earlier career, would be fast, unpredictable guys. Bivol would be trashed.

 

No light-heavyweight since could beat him. Ward, Kovalev, etc. are all intriguing stylistically but Jones sticks out talent wise from all of them, by a bit.

 

He wasn't in his prime at light-heavyweight.

 

Ward is a good choice. The other guy with a shot is Adamek. And even if Adamek did not get the win, the wear and tear factor would enter the picture for Jones---then he is far more vulnerable to other fighters and can easily lose to lesser fighters, > Adamek.

 

None of the three.

 

Adamek? The same Adamek who got outclassed by Chad Dawson?

People are really reaching now.

 

Beterbiev might make things difficult on the inside but pays too dearly getting there.

Kovalev's best hope is to get a flash knockdown, he's not outboxing Roy and won't hit him often enough. His smart long-range boxing style is predictable for Roy.

Ward would make Roy think but I don't think he's winning many rounds.

Stevenson only has the left hand really, too easy for Roy to neutralize.

Pascal might make it fun for a bit as he lunges into exchanges but he's not winning.

Dawson gets clowned.