Has anyone hit bottom faster than Jones?

[salty trunks]

Just the fact that he never had the physical makeup to take solid shots from a light heavy. I think he lost a step by the second Tarver fight meaning he was there to be hit cleaner.
I think Jones was slipping before he faced Tarver it wasnt only the heavyweight move scenario and Tarver has to get some credit for putting the finishing touches on Jones, but realistically with Jones age, fighting style and physical size it was bound to happen suddenly like it did and I think Tarver style would have always given Jones problems even in his prime.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Just the fact that he never had the physical makeup to take solid shots from a light heavy. I think he lost a step by the second Tarver fight meaning he was there to be hit cleaner.
I think Jones was slipping before he faced Tarver it wasnt only the heavyweight move scenario and Tarver has to get some credit for putting the finishing touches on Jones, but realistically with Jones age, fighting style and physical size it was bound to happen suddenly like it did and I think Tarver style would have always given Jones problems even in his prime.

And Tarver knew it

[salty trunks]

Just the fact that he never had the physical makeup to take solid shots from a light heavy. I think he lost a step by the second Tarver fight meaning he was there to be hit cleaner.
I think Jones was slipping before he faced Tarver it wasnt only the heavyweight move scenario and Tarver has to get some credit for putting the finishing touches on Jones, but realistically with Jones age, fighting style and physical size it was bound to happen suddenly like it did and I think Tarver style would have always given Jones problems even in his prime.

If he was significantly diminished, it didn't show in the first two rounds of that fight, he looked pretty sharp. And it's not like he left himself open, his guard was up but but was a pinpoint shot. Some call it lucky, I ain't gonna argue against that.

Look, I am the first to say that a prime Roy beats Tarver 9 times out of ten. But in the case of the 2nd fight KO the weight loss thing gets overplayed by many, including Roy. I'm know there are many who disagree, such is debate. It's easy to build up an argument for it, after the fact. I'm moving on.

Like I said stylistically I think Tarver always gives Jones trouble. He was a tall southpaw counterpuncher who refused to lead against Jones, another reason it was easier for him to expose Jones lost step.
I think the weight loss only sped up the process of Jones falling from his best because his body went through huge changes physically so I think it was a factor, but like you said not the only factor.