Is Roy Jones Jr an ATG at 175?

[The Six Four]

Do you consider Roy Jones Jr. an all-time great at light heavyweight? Given his dominance in the division during the late '90s and early 2000s — including wins over the likes of Virgil Hill, Reggie Johnson, and Antonio Tarver (in their first fight) — there's a strong case to be made. His speed, reflexes, and unorthodox style were unmatched. But does his résumé at 175 stand up to the greatest in the division’s history? I'd love to see any Top 10 all-time great light heavyweight lists from any members brave enough to post theirs.

[TitoFan]

Yep, I absolutely consider Roy an ATG at 175. All the characteristics you mentioned (speed, reflexes, etc) were on full display for all to see. He definitely dominated the division during his time. I'd say he was a beast even at super middle.

Something to consider is that light heavyweight is not exactly the division where the greatest number of ATGs of boxing reside. Heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight... those are much more populated by comparison.

I'm afraid I'm not brave enough to post a Top Ten All-Time at 175. Mainly because probably some of the ones that are considered the best were from back in the grainy black and white era.

But I'll just throw some names out there that should probably be in anybody's Top Ten at 175.



Michael Spinks. If I had to name someone who could give RJJ a serious run for his money at the division, it would be Michael. Unfortunately, our last memory of him was getting wiped out by Mike Tyson at heavy. But Michael was himself an ATG at light heavy, and must be mentioned. His resume leaves nothing to be desired, also.

Bob Foster. Again... got crushed at heavyweight by two ATGs in their own right (Ali and Frazier). But at 175 he was one feared dude. He probably owns one of the scariest one-punch knockouts in history, when he obliterated Mike Quarry with a left hook from hell.

Then again, I'd probably go modern and throw in the names of Beterbiev and Bivol. Both are still writing their history... but in the end I think both will merit a place among the division's best.