Tony Bellew believes a prime Roy Jones Jr. was the most complete boxer in history, placing him narrowly ahead of Oleksandr Usyk and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Bellew praised Usyk’s achievements as a two-division undisputed champion and Leonard’s victories over Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler. However, he believes both lacked certain qualities that Jones possessed at his peak.
“The only one who completed every task and was brilliant in all parts of his game was a prime Roy Jones Jr.,” Bellew said. “Oleksandr Usyk pushes him very close, and Sugar Ray Leonard pushes him very close.”
Jones won world titles at middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight before moving up to defeat John Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight championship in 2003.
Bellew argued that Jones’ combination of speed, athleticism, power and skill made him unlike any fighter he had previously seen. He also suggested Jones’ legacy would be viewed even more favourably had he retired immediately after beating Ruiz.
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