What's Next For Taylor and Bernard ?
Damn I had a bad weekend. First it was trouble at my job. Next was
trouble with the little woman. Then to top it all off, Bernard Hopkins loses
another decision to Jermain Taylor. It's almost enough to make a grown man
cry !
Well since I held back my tears and my eyes have finally cleared up, I'm
starting to see the big picture. Taylor-Hopkins II was a carbon copy of
their first fight. Bernard made the same mistake he made in the first fight.
He let the young thoroughbred jump off to a commanding lead that the old war
horse could not overcome. Hopkins never had an exciting style. His lack of
early aggression again cost him the decision. Fair call ? I'd say , yes.
Bernard did not do enough to earn the nod. Was it close enough for a rematch
? Yes...I can still see Bernard making the proper adjustments to win a fight
against Jermain. Will the public buy a third match ? Probably...The only
other legit threat is Winky Wright and he has his own agenda right now. Does
Hop want a third match ? I'd say yes. Deep down the great pride of Hopkins
still feels he has unfinished business with Taylor. Lucrative fight for
Taylor ? Oh yes...Other then a bout with Wright or maybe Felix Sturm,
Hopkins III is a very good financial consideration. Taylor's future ? Beyond
Hopkins, Wright and Sturm...Well there are a couple of good fighters named
Kingsley Ikele and Kelly Pavlik that will soon be facing some stern tests.
For the time being Jermain Taylor is the master of his destiny. He has
earned it.
Hopkins and RJJ should get together and make a little money, then both need to leave the sport. It would be a public service to finally see that rematch, then let both guys retire after long careers.
As for Taylor, the "tune up" they are talking about is someone like Sturm or Ikeke. Not outstanding fighters for sure, but not chumps, either. I think of the 2, Sturm stands a better chance.
The Winky fight would be a snorefest, like the 2 BHop fights, and Lacy, at any weight, will kill Taylor. No matter how far he progresses, I do not see Taylor ever defeating Lacy. Lacy has the same skills, and a helluva lot more natural power and aggression.
He can't hit shit? He had a hard time hitting the defensive master in Bernard, and in the 2nd fight he did quite well. His accuracy in most of his fights has been astounding. The weight may be an issue and in two or three years I see him going to Super Middle. I don't see him losing a fight at 160, I say Wright is a toss up though.
no he cant hit shit. and he wont last at 160 for that long, he is already having a hard time.
no he isnt. soon the weight drain is going to get him knocked out. he is way to big to continue to make that weight for any extended amount of time. he will lose to someone surprising because of the drain. and maybe because he cant hit shit.
He can't hit shit? He had a hard time hitting the defensive master in Bernard, and in the 2nd fight he did quite well. His accuracy in most of his fights has been astounding. The weight may be an issue and in two or three years I see him going to Super Middle. I don't see him losing a fight at 160, I say Wright is a toss up though.
Taylor is going to be the guy at 160 for a little while. His only competition is Winky Wright.
no he isnt. soon the weight drain is going to get him knocked out. he is way to big to continue to make that weight for any extended amount of time. he will lose to someone surprising because of the drain. and maybe because he cant hit shit.
i dont see any need for taylor/hopkins three. taylor has beaten him twice and i dont think the paying public would like to see such another 12 BORING rounds. Winky vs Taylor is surely to be a sleeper as well. mabye one day we will see a taylor/lacy matchup.