Who would have been a favourite over PRIME RJJr at 160 + 168lbs

I think you have to go back to Hagler to find the first guy, and at that only at 160.

 

monzon

 

No one. RJJ is virtually unbeatable at 168 and below.

 

That's certainly a possibility, but I think Marvin could bully the less filled-out Roy of 160. He wouldn't be discouraged by the speed, and he'd land body shots and eventually wear Roy down for a hard-earned 7-5 decision.

I make a distinction between classes because, at 168, I think Roy's added muscle would help him offset Hagler's aggressiveness. Those eight pounds were a huge benefit for Roy.

 

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gene fullmer at 160
calzaghe at 168

 

Hearns would be a major threat, moreso than any of the people around for Roy during his day, I think, but I still think Roy would beat him 7 out of 10, at least.

 

Calzaghe? Really? I don't think this fight would be very competitive. Roy does what Joe does, only better, plus has added dimensions.

 

well, i might not pick Calzaghe as a favorite over Jones but i would give him a chance. He throws loads of punches and from every conceivable angle. He could pressure Jones.
I think Jones certainly was more graceful but i don't agree that he did everything Calzaghe did only better.

 

I know the op didn't ask for a clear favorite, so I may be a little off subject here.

I don't know if anyone in history would be a 2-1 over Roy. I don't know if you would get 2-1 on anyone considered to be great by many, versus any other considered great.

Jones has shown weakness in two areas in his career. Against people that will put him against the ropes is one area. He has shown that he has legs against Hopkins and Toney. He even showed he still has legs in the third Tarver fight. For some reason he doesn't always use them. Look at the 2nd round of his fight with Pazienza. Look at the Glenn Johnson fight. He let Tarver unload on him against the ropes in their first fight.

He also has a problem with Tarver's height, and jab. That jab disrupted his timing. I think this sometimes happens when you are used to being too fast for your oponent. You could see an example of it happening to another fighter when Mosley fought Forrest.

Iran Barkley may have had a chance against Jones, but he wouldn't have been favored.
Michael Nunn may have been able to bother him with his height, and jab. He would not have been favored either.

I did not answer the question, and am having trouble doing so at the moment. I don't want to give some generic sounding, Ray Robinson, answer.

 

Ray Robinson, Monzon or maybe Hagler could've given him hell.

 

True post, well spoken.

Probably a shutout, too.