I've never seen this Eastman cat fight, but I do hear that he is the legitimate number 2 ranked middleweight in the world. I also see in his record that he has stopped all but 6 of his opponents I think. Apparently he has some power, toughness, and a good jab. Not only that, but he has fought guys that weigh 175, 185, and up.
Will Hopkins dismantle him? Will it be a close fight? Will Hopkins show enough age to get beat? Will Hopkins show so much age that he gets taken to the woodshed? Does Eastman have what it takes step up to the plate and make history? He is 34 himself (not a young guy at all).
Eastman's only loss is considered illegitimate to many. Therefore he is seen by many as 41-0 (34 KO's). He's 5'11" and has a 74" reach and he must be a good-sized guy having fought lightheavyweights and near-cruiserweights in the past.
Hopkins is 6'1'' and has a 75" reach but he's only fought guys above 170 twice. Will this have any bearing on the fight? What can the underdog do to win?
Eastman has got the skill and talent and he is a legitimate challenge, but I've seen him several times since the Joppy fight and he didn't impress me like I expected he would. But that said, he isn't the type to destroy all in his path - he normally spends a while feeling out his opponents, then fights at the level necessary to win the fight. He won't be able to try that against Nard because if he's down on the cards and chasing a KO he'll get picked apart. He has to take the fight to Hopkins and fight for every round.
He should be able to make it competitive, maybe even close on the cards but ultimately it'll be a points win for Hopkins imo.
eastman is 35... and hop is 40.... but iono think age will play any role in this... cuz they are both pretty old... in my eyes... but i will say hopkins will win by decision....
I've seen two Eastman fights. He's strong, but not that quick. His chin is solid, but he's there to be hit. He puts hurt on his opponents in the late rounds, but is a slow starter (from the two fights I saw).
Hopkins won't have too much trouble picking him apart.
And yeah, while an argument can be made that he beat Joppy, it was nowhere near a robbery. Joppy won at least five of the first six rounds, and a two or three of the last six were close.
Who has Eastman fought? A bunch of bums (including Joppy, his only loss). I can't find anyone respectable on his ressume. I'm favoring Hopkins on this one guys.
lol
http://www.bajkhan.com/chico/images/ck-he1.jpg
He better drop that beer and get krunk if he's gonna take out Hops. :cool:
http://www.hennessysports.com/upload/Eastman5_250.jpg
http://www.hennessysports.com/upload/250703_eastman.JPG
Eastman is a heavy hitter with a solid chin and can box and brawl. On top of that his reach is pretty huge.
This will be Hopkins hardest and most challenging fight yet, Im favoring Eastman.