Who's The Best

[Master]

I can't think of many 147 pounders in the history of the sport who could've beaten Hearns the night Leonard came from behind for the stoppage. Maybe Robinson would've beaten Hearns, but I honestly can't think of one other welter in HISTORY who could've won that night. So, Ray beat one of the greatest lightweights (Duran), Welterweights (Hearns), and Middleweights (Hagler) in the history of the sport. Floyd's win over Chico Corrales and Hatton were his two best in my opinion, but he beat some solid competition during his career (more solid wins than Ray or Roy in my opinion). Roy looked unbeatable vs. Montell Griffin and James Toney, but didn't have as big a single win as the other two in my opinion.

Leonard was amazing the night he beat Hearns and Jones and Floyd do not have that name on their record. Jones did beat Toney and Hopkins but they are not as great as Hearns was that night. Leonard had to dig deep to win and probably ended his career with the eye damage caused.

Feel that Toney was the better win for Roy, as (we've discussed this before) I feel like Hop was green at the time and not the complete fighter he became in his prime.

You have got me thinking now that a great athlete (Jones) could beat a great boxer (Hopkins) which does not sit right with me.

I think Roy's unorthodox style and physical gifts would give technicians/fundamentally sound fighters a very difficult time. The first Hop fight was close for that time frame (8-4 rounds), and Hop closed the gap as the rounds went on. I feel like Hop learned a lot during that fight and changed his style specifically for a Roy rematch. Not saying it would have been a guaranteed win for Hop, but the 2001 Hop gives Roy a very tough fight in my opinion.

Roy's kryptonite, in my opinion, would be a Vernon Forrest/Antonio Tarver type of fighter. Someone with a great jab, solid fundamentals, who had the threat of a big punch behind that jab. I always feel that guys like Michael Nunn, Frankie Liles...etc., would have given Roy fits with their styles. Potentially a dirty, mauling Hop would have also (in my opinion).

Roy beat all styles to me, the tall rangy southpaw (I forget his name and was no Nunn or Liles) was completely outclassed. In fact so was Virgil Hill.

I think Leonard would beat Jones p4p he had a better jab and power also his concentration and focus was the best.