Announcement

**restless_438** · 06-10-2006, 04:24 PM

Lee Groves - Tarver W 12 Hopkins
(An interesting matchup but given the styles, I don't forsee an interesting
fight. If anyone is going to press the fight it will be Tarver and if
anyone is going to score a knockout it will be Tarver. But I think Hopkins
is too cagey to let that happen so if it's going to happen Tarver will have
to force the issue. He's not a youngster at 37 so I forsee a little better
fight than the conventional wisdom but it won't be a firefight.)

Armando Alvarez - Bernard Hopkins W 12 Antonio Tarver
(In Tarver's last couple of fights,
he's gotten tired in the final rounds. On the other hand, Hopkins has
gotten stronger. Yes he lost his last two fight to Jermain Taylor, but
Taylor is a fast, young fighter, while Tarver is no youngster. He may look
young, but he isn't far from Hopkins in age. Also, how will the weight loss
affect Tarver? Some say he weighed 220 pounds for his role in the upcoming
Rocky Balboa movie. Hopkins is packing on weight with strength coach
extraordinare Mackey Shilstone. Shilstone has had a good track record so
far. Hopkins will retire as light heavyweight champion.)

Javier Molina -
(Tarver will dominate this bout from round one. I dont see Hopkins hurting
Tarver or even making it a close fight. I see a mid round stoppage, Tarver
way too much for Hopkins. This fight should have happened at least 4 years
ago.)

The Hype - Tarver by Split Decision
Let's be honest, Bernard didn't "select" Antonio Tarver for his next opponent...he "settled" on him! Keep in mind that Hopkins was initially slated for a March rematch with Roy Jones Jr. before the proposed showdown fell through, leaving Tarver as his only viable option for one last payday before retirement. As Gordon Gekko said, "greed, for lack of a better word, is good." Then again, big mouthfuls often choke, and in this case, I think Hopkins may have bit off more than he can chew by jumping in the ring with a man who's "naturally" bigger than him...which, ironically, is the same mistake Hopkins would criticize certain opponents of doing...opponents like De La Hoya and Trinidad. Can Bernard Hopkins beat Antonio Tarver? Maybe! But the more important question is, can Bernard Hopkins win a decision? Given his recent string of luck with judges, I don't think he can. Truth be told, some of today's judges were actually around in 1952 to witness middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson's failed attempt to capture the light heavyweight title from Joey Maxim. Will any of those judges be unbiased enough to award Hopkins with an accomplishment that the greatest fighter of all time could not achieve? I doubt it. If his two fights with Jermain Taylor are any indication, it should be clear that Hopkins won't be getting the benefit of the doubt in any close rounds, which I expect a lot of them to be in this fight. I think ol' Snaggletooth is going to need a knockout to win this one, but I just don't see that happening. Unfortunately, with the thought of retirement on his mind, I don't think we'll see Bernard looking to press the action...which is exactly what he'll need to do if he hopes to test Tarver's stamina. Considering that Tarver threw 600 to 800 punches in his last three fights while Hopkins was content to throw a little over 300 punches in his last two fights, I don't think Tarver's stamina will be an issue. Maybe Bernard's stamina is the one that should be checked, as he didn't appear to have enough steam to finish off Taylor. I have a feeling that this one is going to look a lot like Tarver's first fight with Roy Jones Jr...a lot of posing and very little action. The fight will be close, but in the end, the judges will give Tarver the nod, forcing Hopkins to make the same decision that Roy Jones Jr. had to make: whether or not to retire after three losses in a row. Hey...there's always the rematch with Roy. Tarver by Split decision.

Percy �Nardfan� Crawford - Hopkins by Majority Decision
This will be a close tactical fight...so close that it wouldn�t surprise me if it ends in a draw. I think the deciding factor of the fight will be the later rounds, where Hopkins will put in more work. Tarver was well on his way to cruising to a victory in the first Jones fight and gave rounds 10-12 away. I expect much of the same in this fight. Plain and simple, when Tarver lets his hands go, he gets fatigued. Hopkins by majority decision.

Steve Coleman - Hopkins by Unanimous Decision

James Alden - Hopkins by Unanimous Decision
Even though I think that Hopkins has the power to knock out Tarver, I don't think that he will. I think that the fight will be boring at times with both fighters in the center of the ring dancing and trying to maneuver each other. Tarver said that the fight will end inside of six rounds, but I don't see that happening unless B-Hop gets real OLD over night, a word that is not in Bernard's vocabulary. I like Hopkins by unanimous decision with Tarver calling B-Hop out of retirement after the fight.

Matt Winsper - Tarver by Split Decision
Whilst most are worried about this being a twelve round bore, I'm actually looking forward to the highly skillful chess match that should ensue. It's not often you get two such classy fighters in the ring together. As for the result, I think it's tight either way. Neither man has been known for having a high workrate of late, and whilst Tarver carries the extra power, Hopkins has the better skills. I think it goes right to the line. Hopkins' recent string of bad luck on the scorecards continues as Tarver snatches a controversial verdict.

Stephen Breland - Hopkins by Close Decision
Tarver and Hopkins are the smartest fighters in the game, which makes this war of wits a very compelling match. Tarver enters this bout with significant advantages over the 41 year old Hopkins - who will be fighting at light heavyweight for the first time since his pro debut in 1988. However, at 37 years of age, Tarver is no spring Chicken himself. In his last three fights, Tarver looked vulnerable and showed signs of fatigue. But to keep things in context, those 3 fights took place against longtime light heavyweights. It's definitely a stretch, but I see the old man pulling it off with a strong performance in the late rounds.

Mike Samuels - Tarver by Unanimous Decision

Reg Jones - Hopkins by Unanimous Decision
Bernard Hopkins will try to accomplish what his idol Sugar Ray Robinson couldn�t against Joey Maxim in 1952, which was capture a light-heavyweight title coming up from the middleweight class. Both Hopkins and Tarver are looking to accomplish separate defining goals by a win on Saturday. A win for Tarver will solidify him as a force in this era of boxing and a win for Hopkins will erase, in the minds of most, his two controversial losses to Taylor. That being said, this fight is extremely important to the legacies of both fighters, so all this talk about it being a snooze-fest of a fight, could be wrong. I see Hopkins starting the fight at his usual pace, which is somewhere in 1st or 2nd gear. In the later rounds I expect him to kick it into 5th gear, his usual modus operandi. Traditionally speaking, Tarver has been known to fatigue in the late rounds when Hopkins has a history of taking opponents out in the deep rounds. The first five rounds I expect to be boring because both fighters have a propensity for being in fights that would make watching paint dry an exciting venture. Rounds 6-12...look out, here comes the executioner!

Mike Casey - The word is that Bernard Hopkins is training for Antonio Tarver with the fervour of a man who has no thoughts of retirement. But can the old man really pull the kind of surprise that **** Tiger gave us back in �67 when he dethroned Jose Torres? Opinion is famously divided on Bernard�s place among the great middleweights. I can�t personally rank him among the elite. But he is without doubt a wise old ring mechanic who knows some tricks and still has plenty of ambition. Antonio Tarver is a talented, decent light-heavyweight who can be alternately sensational and mundane. He has the advantage of being a natural light-heavy, but is only an inch taller than Hopkins and has an identical reach. Antonio should win, but I�ve had a funny feeling about this one from the time it was made. Bernard won�t play a counter puncher�s waiting game as he did against Jermain Taylor, because he simply can�t afford to. If he has any new tricks, this is now or never. He has to jump on Antonio and hustle him all the way. Can the old champ do that at forty-one? Let�s not forge that Tarver is thirty-seven and has had to shed some serious poundage to get down to 175. I�ll put my head on the block and say that Hopkins will win. I think his work rate will take him to an upset decision and bag him some precious points in the all time stakes.

Ron Borges - I know Tarver is bigger and stronger, but like Hopkins by decision in an exceedingly defensive fight.

Hank Kaplan - Bernard is a great fighter, but he is not the same fighter that even beat Felix Trinidad a few years ago. He fights in spurts to save his energy for the late rounds. I think Tarver is too big. Bernard couldnt hurt Jermain Taylor, what can he do to Tarver? Tarver by decision

Tim Smith - Going with Tarver over Hopkins in a decision. It's hard to pick against Hopkins, but I think Tarver can do a few more things than Jermian Taylor did to Hopkins. Tarver by decision

**restless_438** · 06-10-2006, 04:24 PM

Don Colgan - Tarver, although not particularly young in his own right, is still near his prime. Hopkins is riding a permanent decline. Tarver to dominate after the first three rounds, drop Hopkins several times en route to a 10th round TKO. Tarver by TKO

Andy Rivera - Yes, I'm probably in the minority here, but hell someone has to pick Hopkins. We all know this is Hopkins' last hurrah. Going after history in trying to capture something his idol, Sugar Ray Robinson could not obtain. Tarver is the bigger fighter, but I'm banking on him having issues from losing the weight from his performance in the new Rocky movie. Dropping 40 pounds isn't good for any fighter, just ask Roy Jones when he fought Tarver in their first encounter. I think Hopkins will outwork Tarver and leave in the sunset by making his mark in history. Hopkins by decision

Tom Donelson - If this was the 2001 version of Hopkins fighting, I will give Hopkins a chance. Hopkins is 41 years old, he is the smaller fighter and he is not necessarily the faster fighter. On paper, this is a mismatch. Hopkins' chances exist of slowing the fight down and minimizing the punches, while hoping for a Tarver mistake. I suspect that Tarver will press the action and fulfill his predictions of stopping Hopkins. Tarver has his own legacy to deal with and Hopkins' place in boxing history is secure. So the major incentative is with Tarver. Beating Hopkins will go a long way to establish Tarver as a great fighter in his own right. Tarver by KO.

Evan Korn - At 41, Hopkins has more in the tank than the 37 year old Tarver. In my estimation, Hopkins went 1-0-1 against Taylor. Judging by how serious Hopkins is taking this fight (hiring Mackie Shilstone to help add the weight), Hopkins appears to accept the fact that his time is running out. Tarver, in his last outing against Roy Jones, looked like a spent force. After gaining all that weight and going Hollywood, Tarver will look downright ancient against Hopkins. Hopkins by unanimous decision.

Kevin Kincade - I predict at least 12 people somewhere in the world, if not the arena will dose off during the 6th round of this contest. �When Counter-Punchers Meet��.it is the equivalent in boxing to dueling banjoes. Now, cynicism aside, Tarver�s reach, height, power, and Bernard�s early inactivity will be the difference. Bernard Hopkins, for all of his defensive expertise and slick infighting skills, which incorporate the darker side of the art of boxing, seems to have forgotten the aggressive side of the coin. I can see how his straight right hand will occasionally trouble the southpaw Tarver; but I fail to see how the smaller Hopkins can make any real impact over the long haul. The only hope I see for Hopkins escaping with a victory lies in Antonio�s tendency to tire down the stretch, when Bernard, conveniently enough, picks up the action. However, I don�t see B-Hop winning this one, though he will have his moments in the later rounds. Look for �The Magic Man� to retain his World Light-Heavyweight title by a relatively dull decision�might even be a Split Decision. Tarver by decision.
Larry Tornambe - I see Tarver vs. Hopkins being a posing contest. I hope someone from Madam Taussad's wax museum is at ringside. I think they will have two figures in the main event who won' t be moving their hands much. Hopkins and Tarver have not been very active during their most recent fights and I look for Tarver's size to give him the advantage in earning a snoozer decision against Bernard. Tarver by decision

Paul Gallegos - I guess that it is all about the money these days. How Hopkins can land a title fight when his last two jaunts in the squared circle credited him with defeats. It just doesn't make sense. That said, age, an aggressive Tarver, and a really decent boxer will overwhelm the aged Hopkins with a barrage of punches in the second round. Hopkins will taste the canvass in the second, fourth, and finally get KO'd in the 9th. I don't really see this one being close. Tarver by KO

Mike Indri - In a fight which I see no interest or reason for taking place, the choice has to be Tarver. Hopkins, whose legacy is entrenched as one of the greatest middleweights ever, should have kept the promise he made to his late mother and retired last year. Tarver's fortitude and resilience has enabled him to prevail against aging champions Montel Griffin, Glen Johnson and Roy Jones; and the timing has worked out well again for the fortunate Tarver, who will add a very past-his-prime Bernard Hopkins to his hit list in a lackluster bout not worthy of the boxing fan's pay-per- view dollars. Antonio Tarver over Bernard Hopkins via 12 round Unanimous Decision.

Dr. Peter Edwards - Hopkins has something to prove in this bout, after two dissapointing defeats to Jermain Taylor. I see Bernard boxing his way to a close decision win against the Tarver, who waits too long to get off with his punches. Hopkins by decision.

Mike Dunn - I've got to go with Tarver against Hopkins. Should be a war, but time is not on Hopkins' side, especially at age of 41 and with the two tough losses to Jermain behind him. Tarver is coming off wins over Jones and Johnson and will enter the ring with lots of confidence. Tarver by unanimous decision.

Eric Rineer - Bernard Hopkins has already cemented his place in boxing history. He is one of the greatest middleweight fighters of all-time. The 20 consecutive title defenses is amazing. He's a very game and terrifically skilled boxer. But to jump up two weight classes appears to be too challenging. If you're going to do it, you especially don't want your first fight to be against the light heavyweight champion. Bernard Hopkins yields youth and power to Mason Dixon, eh hem, Antonio Tarver. I've never seen a fighter more focused than Antonio. That was the case just a couple of weeks ago in Vero Beach. He was too focused to even engage in small talk with anyone at his training site. This man is serious business and he's got a serious business trainer in Buddy McGirt. He's too strong, too focused and too good to be dethroned against a blown-up middleweight. I'm picking the "Magic Man" Tarver by 8th-round TKO.

John Hively - I think Tarver will defeat Hopkins. The former middleweight champion is on the downhill side of his career, and probably has been for three years or more. Tarver, if he comes in shape, has too much on the ball for Hopkins at this stage of his career.
Tarver by decision

Bradley Yeh - Bernard Hopkins� work rate has let him down in recent fights, and stepping aside from critical assessment that�s probably fair for a middleweight veteran and legend of his ilk. That work rate could cost him if Tarver doesn�t suffer too much from making the agreed weight. Other tangibles that make for a tentative prediction with this fight are that Hopkins is reported to have a good team including sparring partners that are experienced with Tarver for this bout. This contrasts against the fact that Tarver is the stronger, bigger guy that has the power to hurt Hopkins with a single shot, whilst Hopkins doesn�t have sleeping pills in his gloves at this stage of his career and in this weight class. Hopkins is a junkyard dog that�s old school to the bone and I must admit that I enjoyed his work prior to and including Trinidad. Tarver probably will feel less psychological pressure coming into this his bout though, as he�ll draw from the power advantage knowing that he has knocked out guys he sincerely believes Hopkins can't. Tarver by decision.

Richard McManus - A win for Tarver will prove almost nothing, but a win for Hopkins will allow him to retire on his terms. I'm leaning toward Hopkins for the reason he gave in a recent interview. When asked about his chances he responded with the quip: "Who's the better fighter?" Unless Bernard shows up and appears exceedingly old I give him an excellent chance to win the decision. Hopkins by decision

Rusty Rubin - I think Bernard is too tough for Tarver after coming down in weight, from heavyweight. The fight will do too deep for the stamina of Tarver. Hopkins by unanimous decision

Dave Wilcox - Tarver is the natural Light Heavyweight and can box as well. He will be too much for Hopkins to handle. I see a one-sided decision taking place for Tarver. Hopkins' usual pace won't be enough to land a win against Tarver. Tarver by decision.

**restless_438** · 06-10-2006, 04:25 PM

TK Stewart - I never really liked this fight from the time it was made. It holds no allure for me and it just doesn't get me excited. Tarver is 37 and Hopkins is 41 so you have to ask just what type of level will this fight be fought on? Both guys have really showed their age in recent bouts and they are still trying to participate in what is very much a young man's sport. I look for this fight to be fought at a cautious and boring pace. Neither guy is a big risk taker at this point and they both fight like they are trying not to lose - instead of really going out there and trying to win big. Hopkins has grown overcautious as he has aged and it really takes Bernard five rounds to get warmed up and to begin fighting. I look for Tarver's size and southpaw style to trouble Hopkins greatly. Tarver will likely weigh over 190 the night of the fight and Hopkins is rumored to weigh less than 175 right now so the size advantage is really going to be a factor in this one. Hopkins was pushed around pretty good by Jermain Taylor so a 190-pound guy should be able to do a pretty good job on him. Tarver showed he can handle smaller guys quite well, particularly Roy Jones and to a lesser extent Glen Johnson. The bottom line is that Hopkins is going to be at a severe size disadvantage despite all of Mackie Shilstone's efforts. Hopkins' only chance is to turn this fight into a brawl and attempt to manhandle Tarver and that just isn't going to happen at Bernard's age. I like Tarver to control the fight with his right jab and use his distance to create punching opportunities. On the inside, Tarver is the stronger, bigger man and I think he'll tie Bernard up and push him backwards. I don't see either guy landing enough sustained punches to score a knockout so as a result, I like Tarver to win by a wide unanimous decision.

JC Casarez - All I keep hearing is that Tarver is too big and strong for Hopkins at this stage of their careers. Well I think that's his downfall in this fight. Tarver has spent too much time above 200lbs, even if it was for a role in the upcoming Rocky film. The way he was forced to come back down in weight will leave him weak when the 2nd half of the fight approaches. Look for Hopkins and his new body which is compliments of his hard work with Mackey Shilstone to help him impose his will and do what he did best as the middleweight king. Hopkins can still outbox them and when fatigue sets in you can expect Hopkins to execute. Hopkins by decision

JE Grant - In this fight it won�t be age that is served, it will be size. Tarver is likely the slower puncher of the two but he is willing to get close and occasionally throw with abandon. He has faced the stiff punches of Glen Johnson and the desperation of Roy Jones and has proven unrelenting. He even fought hard against Eric Harding despite a broken jaw. It is unlikely that the cagey Hopkins has anything in his arsenal that will keep Tarver at a distance or cause him to slow his attack. Of course Hopkins won�t go quietly into the night. He will fight hard in spots but won�t be able to sustain the kind of attack necessary to take the heat out of Tarver. When he can�t punch, however, he will prove hard to hit squarely or often. Look for a retreating Hopkins to give it a strong go but lose out to the heavy hands of Tarver. Antonio Tarver by clear decision.

Dan Creighton - The bigger and stronger Tarver will prove to be too much for Hopkins. Hopkins by decision.

Carlos Irusta - Tarver will pull out the win because he is simply the bigger man. Hopkins has reached his the top of his game, and it's been downhill since. Tarver by decision
Joe Harrison - Although Hopkins lost his last two fights to Jermain Taylor, he showed everyone that he still has what it takes to fight the big boys. However, I think it is a dangerous move to move up in weight and take on today's best light heavyweight, Antonio Tarver. Hopkins' age should continue to take it's toll on him, meaning that Tarver will be victorious. Tarver over Hopkins by Unanimous Decision

George Phillips - It's a close fight, Hopkins is moving up 15 pounds and Tarver had to drop 40 pounds. I think Hopkins will win a close split decision.

Alphonso Costello - Bernard Hopkins has made alot of noise about accomplishing what Sugar Ray Robinson couldn�t accomplish and that�s capture the light-heavyweight crown. Hopkins isn�t young enough to fight a 12-round bout at a steady pace. His extreme jump in weight may hurt his conditioning. The same can be said about Antonio Tarver's conditioning. He allegedly weighed close to 220 pounds during the filming of Rocky VI. Tarver must use his size advantage to wear down Hopkins. However, the silver screen curse will come crashing down on Tarver's crown. "The Legend Killer's" stamina will betray him and Hopkins will capitalize on the opportunity. Hopkins defeats Tarver by eleventh round knockout.

Rick Reeno - Unless losing close to 40 pounds has drained Tarver, I think he should win this fight. If he keeps the fight at a distance, he can win easily, but it appears Tarver is set on trading with Hopkins in order to become the first man to stop him. I don't think Tarver will stop him, and I see Hopkins giving as good as he gets. Tarver by close decision.

Nat Gottlieb - HBO Columnist
Hopkins, Unanimous Decision
Bernard has a huge class edge, and has gotten significantly stronger for this fight. Master craftsman will pick him apart, round by round.

William Dettloff - The Ring
Hopkins, Decision
History shows that when older, very accomplished middleweight champions move up to face younger, less accomplished light heavyweight champions, they typically do well. I'm betting history repeats itself here.

Dan Rafael - ESPN.com
Hopkins, W12
Bernard is highly motivated, is in great condition and has enough tricks in his book to win.

Bert Sugar - Boxing Historian
Hopkins, W12
Hopkins' experience and craftiness will carry the last rounds as Tarver's weight problems and questionable stamina takes their toll.

Tim Smith - NY Daily News
Tarver, Decision
Don't think he'll be able to stop Hopkins, but because of his bet to stop Hopkins in five, Tarver will get out to a big lead on the scorecards, and Hopkins, a notoriously slow starter, won't have enough time to mount a comeback.

"I understand that Tarver looked dog-tired and even a little vulnerable in his last fight (v Roy Jones), but anyone who tips Hopkins to win can't have seen his overly-cautious bore-a-thon's v Taylor, Eastman, De La Hoya and Allen. If Hopkins refused to engage a physically dwarfed Oscar, who was going off what really was a loss to Felix Sturm, why is he suddenly going to surge forward and fight with a man who could easily bulk up to 200lbs? Simple, he's not. And if B-Hop tries his shick of pot-shoting counters here and there Tarver will jab him all night. This fight smacks of cynical cashing-in on the part of Hopkins - and maybe Antonio, too - only I think Tarver badly wants to win. I don't thinkl Hopkins really cares as long as he's paid. Tarver by stoppage.
- Ant Evans, Editor

"When Hopkins turned pro he lost his first fight as a Light-Heavyweight. Fourteen months later he was a middleweight and lost only to Roy Jones on his way to the title. He's only an inch shorter than the "tall" Tarver, unlike Jones who was three inches shorter than Tarver at 5'11". The point being that Hopkins may not be a typical middleweight in size. That he measures up to Tarver physically. Does Tarver measure up to Hopkins in talent? I don't think so. Light-Heavyweight Hopkins, who wants to go out with glory and a crown, by unanimous decision."
- Jerry Glick, New York Correspondent

"Will history repeat itself? Will Hopkins fail to move up from middleweight to become light heavyweight world champion like Sugar Ray Robinson, or will Tarver have trouble coming down from heavyweight like Roy Jones Jr did? Yes, Tarver never really fought at heavy, he put the weight on for the new 'Rocky' movie. But weight is weight. This fight is going the distance. The pride of both men will see to that. Tarver seems the logical pick, but I'm going with Hopkins in his last fight to just edge out a close points decision. Hopkins W12."
- Paul Upham, Contributing Editor

"I just cannot see Bernard Hopkins stepping up two weight divisions successfully against such an established light-heavyweight like Antonio Tarver. Tarver will have all the physical advantages and will use them against the 41 year-old Hopkins. I see Tarver giving Hopkins a going over for 12 painful rounds."
- Clive Bernath, Editor in Chief

"I like Tarver in this match. Tarver is naturally bigger and possibly stronger. I think he probably has more weapons than Jermain Taylor and Taylor gave Hopkins trouble. Tarver by decision."
- Tim Smith, Special Feature Writer

**restless_438** · 06-10-2006, 04:25 PM

"I'm predicting Hopkins to get stopped for the first time in his career for this one. Reasons?: Hopkins has only fought once before as a light-heavy (in his first fight) and lost on points over four rounds; he was a small middleweight (156.5-157 lbs for some of his fights) who is now fighting a large light-heavyweight (Tarver enters the ring at 190lbs and has talked about fighting at heavyweight); he's lost his last two fights; he's forty-one years old and can't hold off age forever; Tarver is a big puncher and not only bigger and younger, but taller - Hopkins was a tall middleweight who fought bulked up light-middles, using his height to break them down. Add in that the fact that Hopkins changed trainers for the second Taylor fight (which he lost) and Tarver's been with Buddy McGirt for what seems like forever may indicate that Tarver will also have the superior, tested corner. Hopkins will use his skills to remain out of trouble for a few rounds but eventually Tarver will stop him."
- John Conrad, Feature Writer

"Tarver via unanimous decision."
- Mark G. Butcher, Founding Editor

I'm going against the grain here, but I think Hopkins might actually take this one. I don't see this as being a particularly exciting fight, as it is between two counterpunchers. There will be alot of probing, and alot of feinting with both guys looking for openings. I think this comes down to who takes more risks, and who has the better strategy. I don't doubt Hopkin's ability to take a light heavyweight punch at all, so I don't think it will be that much of an issue. Hopkin is an incredibly strong athlete, with one of the best chins in the business. Tarver is a very, very good fighter, but I don't think he will go down as one of the greats. He hasn't had that many fights, and he is getting old (37). Hopkins, while older at 41, is an all time great given his accomplishments at middleweight. I think that Hopkin's is the smarter fighter, and will figure Tarver out fast enought to steal the fight. He won't dominate, but his experience and ring craft should get him a close points victory.
- Ben Cohen, Contributing Editor

"I'd consider leaning towards Hopkins in this one but I don't like what I'm hearing from his lately. He keeps comparing himself to Ray Robinson, which is all well and good except for the fact that Robinson lost his fight for the light heavyweight title (he was leading on the scoreacrds before he had to quit, but a loss is a loss.) In fact a lot of what Hopkins is saying these days sounds subtley defeatist. So take all that and the fact that Tarver will have the power advantage, and I say Tarver by UD."
- Matt Wells, Feature Writer

"Tarver- Hopkins- At 41, Hopkins has more in the tank than the 37 year old Tarver. In my estimation, Hopkins went 1-0-1 against Taylor. Judging by how serious Hopkins is taking this fight (hiring Mackie Shilstone to help add the weight), Hopkins appears to accept the fact that his time is running out. Tarver, in his last outing against Roy Jones, looked like a spent force. After gaining all that weight and going Hollywood, Tarver will look downright ancient against Hopkins. Hopkins by unanimous decision."
- Evan Korn, New York Correspondent

"I suspect the trash-talking will be significantly better than the fight. Youth, natural size and southpaw reach should see Tarver prevail by a fairly tight decision which will cause a little controversy and definitely upset Hopkins."
- Sanjeev Shetty, UK Correspondent

"Hopkins has the skills to complicate Tarver, but he had to be cautious against Taylor, and this time against a much heavier man, he will not be able to take many risks. He will make Tarver swept, but the lanky man will get a clear unaimous decision."
- Juan Pablo Manfredi, Argentina Correspondent

"Hopkins/Tarver is a tough call but I go for Tarver. Naturally the bigger man and with plenty of talk to back up, Tarver should take a points decision."
- Wayne Bartlett, UK Correspondent

"Their height/reach numbers are surprisingly close, so size won't be a factor as much as how well they wear 175 lbs: Will long time middleweight Hopkins be revived and more powerful, or slower and sluggish? After bulking up to heavyweight for the new Rocky movie, will long time light heavy Tarver still make weight without being drained? In a battle of crafty, well-schooled pros starting to show their age, Hopkins' best punch is his lead/counter overhand right - the antidote to southpaws, but Tarver seems to be the guy who can still put his punches together in combos more than once a round. The fight may turn out to be more interesting and competitive than many of us are expecting - especially if it's fought on the ropes - but Tarver's busier hands should earn him a decision win."
- Sean Waisglass, North American Correspondent

"I can't help but think that this is more of a money grab before heading out the door and retiring with the accolades that go along with making 20 successful defenses of the middleweight title and being considered among the best all time at 160. The Bernard Hopkins that was cautious against a small de la Hoya, admittedly nervous in his third fight against Robert Allen and not able to let his hands go in two fights against an average looking Jermain Taylor has no chance of beating Tarver. Glen Johnson showed how it is done by getting inside his reach and pounding him to the body under a wave of punches. Bernard simply cannot let his hands go anymore to be able to duplicate that feat. Tarver by late tko."
- David Surgick, North American Correspondent

I'll go with Tarver by decision over Hopkins. Two cautious, crafty fighters fighting in the same ring, in my mind, equals a slow, tactical fight. Once Bernard feels Tarver's power, he'll stay away, finishing his career on his feet and in good health.
Mitch Abramson

Hopkins may be the older man at 41 years old, but, in ring years, he appears to be fresher than the 37-year-old Tarver. He competed evenly with the then-26-year-old Jermain Taylor in two fights, while Tarver showed signs of aging against Glen Johnson last summer and Roy Jones Jr. last October. Further, Tarver's weight situation can't be good. After reportedly gaining some 45 pounds to play a heavyweight in Sylvester Stallone's upcoming "Rocky Balboa" movie, there's no way we'll see the razor-sharp machine who took out Jones in the rematch two years ago. He'll have the bigger punch, but he'll also be sluggish and dull after struggling to get to 175 pounds again. That big punch probably won't land much against a defensively capable fighter like Hopkins. And when it does, Hopkins � much more physically equipped to absorb a light heavyweight punch than the naturally smaller Jones � won't budge. Look for B-Hop, with the help of training guru Mackie Shilstone, to outhustle Tarver on the inside with quick bursts, before moving out of danger, a la Michael Spinks against Larry Holmes in 1985. Consequently, he'll win the recognized light heavyweight championship via 12-round split decision.
Matt Aguilar

Styles make fights, and the fight between these two tacticians doesn�t promise to provide much excitement. Feinting and pawing with the jab will fill too many minutes of too many rounds. But when the action does come, it will be the naturally bigger Tarver who will be driving that action, punching in flurries and landing the occasional straight left. Still, he will not press the action enough to stop the crafty middleweight. Tarver beats Hopkins by decision.
David Berlin

Hopkins w12 Tarver � This is the perfect fight for insomniacs, two aged counterpunchers. I lean toward Hopkins because I think tarver, at 37, is older than B-Hop at 41. At the odds, Hopkins is certainly the bet.
Michael Katz

**restless_438** · 06-10-2006, 04:25 PM

Here�s all you need to know about this fight: Historically, the most frequently cited example of a fighter overstaying his welcome is Joe Louis vs. Rocky Marciano in 1951. The Brown Bomber was precisely the same age in that one that Tarver is for this one � and Hopkins is four years older than that. It�s hard to imagine what the point of this exercise is supposed to be. The loser is obviously going to be damaged goods, but there isn�t much in it for the winner, either. Once again HBO is trading on names with little regard to the consequence. Prediction: Who cares?
George Kimball

I think Hopkins has slowed just enough that Tarver will have a slight edge in the only meaningful exchanges that do take place. I feel it will be a very tactical bout with Hopkins using his straight right and hook well, with Tarver having the edge with his jab and counter lefts. Expect lots of holding inside and neither to get tagged too hard over twelve rather uneventful but interesting � but not PPV worthy � rounds. It'll be close to call as beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and a draw or split decision may come out of it, but I'll say Tarver gets a close nod.
Joey Knish

Bernard is another underdog that will raise the roof in AC. I expect him to be smart in the first half and avoid Tarver's big left, and be surprisingly physical in the championship rounds. Hopkins wins a hard-fought split decision.
Zachary Levin

Both guys talk such a good game but then do more posing than fighting in the ring. The combination of Tarver reportedly coming down from 218 pounds and Hopkins hiring Mackie Shilstone as his conditioner makes this bout more interesting than it would ordinarily be. The pick here is Tarver because he is naturally bigger, has more to prove, and will probably pose less than Hopkins. Tarver W 12.
Bob Mladinich

I'm not expecting fireworks in the Tarver-Hopkins bout. In fact, I'm expecting a snore fest. Maybe I'll be fooled but I doubt it. In the last too many fights to count, Bernard Hopkins has fought for an average of ten seconds each round. Even against Antonio Tarver, he'll have to increase his punch output. The question is, can he? Tarver UD12 - so the answer's NO. I'm not a believer in Bernard any longer.
Scott Mallon

Hopkins has lost back-to-back decisions to Jermain Taylor, and that makes him very dangerous. However, what makes him even more dangerous is the fact that he, and about half the people who watched those two fights, believe that Hopkins won them both. The truth of the matter is both fights could have gone either way... Hopkins is pissed, and is by no means totally over the hill. In my opinion Antonio Tarver is very intent on gaining the respect he believe he deserves, which also makes him dangerous. However, it has been stated that during the filming of "Rocky Balboa" Tarver was tipping the scales at around 220 lbs. Roy Jones Jr. went up to heavyweight from light-heavyweight as well and came in at exactly 193 lbs. of shredded muscle, 27 lbs less than Tarver... and we all saw the impact it had on Jones. Hopkins is hungry to prove that he is still one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. In addition, Hopkins claims that this is his last fight, which should motivate him even more. Tarver on the other hand, is just plain old hungry... you would be too if you just ****** 45 lbs in a few short months. The combination of the heart and skill of Hopkins, and the battle with the scales by Tarver only leads to one thing in my mind... Hopkins by an extremely boring decision.
Alex Stone

At 41 years of age, Bernard Hopkins is still dangerous. But he is no longer able to put together the sustained, twelve-round attack that is necessary to beat Antonio Tarver. If the �Magic Man� sticks and moves throughout the fight, he will coast to an easy victory. Tarver by unanimous decision.
Aaron Tallent

Tarver is the natural light heavyweight. His strength and superior work rate will be the deciding factors on Saturday night. And while I'm hoping y'all get your PPV money's worth, it's entirely possible that this will be a strategic chess match, fought at the pace one would expect from a 37-year-old and a 41-year old...
Michael Woods

Okay,

Votes for Tarver: 51
Votes for Hopkins: 37

**AintGottaClue** · 06-10-2006, 04:30 PM

Javier Molina -
(Tarver will dominate this bout from round one. I dont see Hopkins hurting
Tarver or even making it a close fight. I see a mid round stoppage, Tarver
way too much for Hopkins. This fight should have happened at least 4 years
ago.)

^^^^^^^^^^ = Absolute moron

**DiegoFuego** · 06-10-2006, 05:43 PM

It's funny because not one of the Hopkins nuthuggers in that list (Dan Rafael, Ron Borges, Bert Sugar, etc) picked Tarver to win. I think it is pretty much a toss-up fight, but you'd think more of the so called experts would go with their head over their hearts and at least one or two would pick Tarver. I'm the biggest Tarver fan around, and I'm still up in the air with my pick.

**jason100x** · 06-10-2006, 05:46 PM

The fact that there's such a split in opinion and compelling cases can be made for Tarver or Hopkins winning makes this a good matchup, at least on paper. It remains to be seen whether the actual result is a good matchup. I hope that, as one expert said, Tarver tries to be the first to stop Hopkins and I hope Hopkins comes in fired with something to prove rather than just having his final fight and we get a real FIGHT.

Announcement

COMPLETE Expert Predictions - Tarver-Hopkins

COMPLETE Expert Predictions - Tarver-Hopkins

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Announcement

COMPLETE Expert Predictions - Tarver-Hopkins

COMPLETE Expert Predictions - Tarver-Hopkins

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Sign In

Register