Roy is regarded as p4p #1 when it comes to speed/athleticism... and before he dropped all that muscle and went back down to 175, he was also considered unbeatable from 160-175. He showed dazzling speed in each of those weight classes.
However, what was his absolute peak? I believe Roy himself said his best weight was 168. Was this absolute peak in terms of speed AND power? And is there any fight or fights in particular that you could point to and say this is the very best version of Roy?
At 168 Roy seemed to maintain the same crazy speed that he had at 160 while bringing more power. Despite the added weight he was still able to dish out huge combinations. While at at 175 he didn't seem quite as able to throw such big combinations. And in his fight with Ruiz he almost looked past prime compared to how he fought at 168.
168 is probably his absolute best but he was a monster at 160 but probably a little too big for the division. He is a natural tweener for me and makes a good case for these jr and super weight classes. He did great at 175 but wasnt the same as 160-168.
His absolute best was the rematch with Montell Griffin, his fight with Virgil Hill and his shut out of James Toney.
He is arguably unbeatable between 160-175 but at 175 you have a lot of greats that give him a run for his money.
The Gerald Mcclellan at 160 that put away the Hawk and Ward at 168 may be competitive but I still favor Roy.
Excuses. Was he depleted the second time as well?
How about the third time?
Tarver used a Manilla Ice-like right hook (southpaw stance) to hurt Roy bad in that fight.
The man simply could outthink Roy and people refuse to admit it.
Uh yeah.
Once your athleticism is gone. It's gone.
Once Ali couldn't dance anymore, he couldn't dance anymore. That's how it works, unless you're on PEDs.
Excuses. Was he depleted the second time as well?
How about the third time?
Tarver used a Manilla Ice-like right hook (southpaw stance) to hurt Roy bad in that fight.
The man simply could outthink Roy and people refuse to admit it.
Roy went from throwing blinding combinations at 168 to potshotting at 175. Prime at 168.
168 is a peak Roy Jones.
Still incredible at 175 though.
One Sixty-Eight.
Came in to post 168 like these fine posters.