Who has a greater legacy? Hopkins vs Jones Jr

[windowMaker]

Collins? Really? Collins looked for a pay check nothing more. He couldn't even beat Reggie Johnson.

[Big_L]

Collins? Really? Collins looked for a pay check nothing more. He couldn't even beat Reggie Johnson.

who roy fought in his next fight.


this was in 99. his last fight was 97. looking for a check is right.

[Mr. Philadel]

In his prime (from about '93 - 2004 when Tarver took his soul) Roy Jones Junior appeared absolutely unstoppable, for over a decade making even proven veterans look like club fighters. Whilst against the very best there were some tough battles, and there were a few guys who he never faced, he proved himself the outstanding fighter of his era from MW up to LHW.

When the fall came, however it came hard and fast. Whether due to an over reliance on his gradually fading speed and athleticism , or a mental vulnerability, he was never the same again after the Tarver losses. Also, while it shouldn't be held against him, continuing to box on 'til the present, far beyond his prime has left him with a tatty record which dims the legacy of his glory days.

Bernard Hopkins on the other hand, despite a late start in boxing dominated the 160lb division for a decade, finally losing at age 40 to an up and coming Jermain Taylor 13 years his junior. Moving up in weight at an age where most boxers have (or are thinking of) hung up their gloves, he proceeded to fight and win against the best at 175, having held at least one of the alphabet belts for most of the last 8 years, as well as becoming lineal champion twice (in addition to his 4 year MW lineal reign)
At age 48 Bernard Hopkins is still fighting and beating champions who are approaching 20 years younger than him, breaking his own record for the oldest ever boxing world champion in March.

Bernards longevity at the very top of the sport alone would guarantee his place as an ATG, since having won his first belt 18 years ago he has always either been a champion or in championship contention. In his 25 year career (which amusingly started with a loss) he has only been beaten by the very best in the world.

A prime Roy Jones Junior beat Bernard Hopkins, and was a better fighter, but in terms of legacy, Bernard Hopkins will be seen, in the future, as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Great post!!!....green k

[GoldenGloveLove]

Greater fighter? Greater legacy? Roy! Who won the longevity contest? Hopkins of course. Which is great for him but it doesn't mean he's greater. It never will. It strengthened his legacy a lot but he was still never at the level of Roy and nothing he did proved that he was.

[windowMaker]

who roy fought in his next fight.


this was in 99. his last fight was 97. looking for a check is right.

and Reggie was coming off a huge one punch KO win over a young unbeaten champ.

[Big_L]

Greater fighter? Greater legacy? Roy! Who won the longevity contest? Hopkins of course. Which is great for him but it doesn't mean he's greater. It never will. It strengthened his legacy a lot but he was still never at the level of Roy and nothing he did proved that he was.

exactly. just like tommy hearns won the longevity battle with ray leonard. but he'll never be considered greater. no knock against hopkins. roy was simply better.

[Augustane]

At the end of the day - Jones will be remembered by casuals, Hopkins will not.

[windowMaker]

At the end of the day - Jones will be remembered by casuals, Hopkins will not.

an older guy at the bar over the weekend was talking about roy jones like hell never see anything like it ever again

[Boxing Goat]

an older guy at the bar over the weekend was talking about roy jones like hell never see anything like it ever again

Accurate, because he won't.

There was never a fighter like that before Roy and there's absolutely nothing resembling him boxing now.

There will never be another Rjjr.

[GeneralZod]

"0"

The number who beat Roy in his prime.

Roy tarnished his legacy, all i'm pointing out. He could've left when he was a king, or even after Antonio dropped him. But like many, he had to embarrass himself.