One problem for Joe in terms of quality of opposition is that since the 168 division was created it has traditionally been very thin in terms of top fighters. Guys like Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney would make brief detours in the divison on their way up the scales, but overall the division has never been deep in talent. That was not something in his control. Joe has fought most of the guys who were said to be the top challengers or tough tests; if it turned out they weren't as good as advertised, that isn't his fault. Now, if you want to put forth the argument that he should have moved up to 175 in order to prove himself against better competition, that's fine.
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