B-Hop is already the proven fighter in the US, but to many Joe has not really been tested by the best. I think this will get under Calzaghe's skin and be his best chance of losing... by getting carried away and trying to overdo it and prove himself. If he keeps his cool I think it will be a close fight and end in a decision.
The only way Hopkins can win this is by KO, and it ain't happening.
Yeah... Hopkins won't even try. I honestly believe that Bernard knows he has little chance in winning this fight.
With the excitement and crowd. Im thinking Joe throws and throws but does no real damage to Hopkins. Joe is tired early and B-Hop executes his usual plan and picks a tired Joe apart.
You haven't seen many Joe fights have you. His stamina is top notch and he doesn't tire.
People outside the US know how good Joe is and many US fans have seen how good he has looked against Kessler and Lacy. I dont think he cares to prove anything by trying too hard. People who are in the know know, people who arent dont matter at this point in his career. It's not like he is trying to make a name for himself with one or two fights left.
I like Ricky Hatton, he's a great fighter, with the emphasis on fighter not boxer, but he does not have either the skill or the handspeed of Joe. I can't see how anyone looking at him can say he lacks rythm throwing 5/6 punches a second ffs.
You're talking about a 36 year old who's ben in against some dirty spoiling fighters who lead with their head so that ain't going to be a shock to him either.
Objectively, what even the most ardent Joe fan will tell you is that a) he doesn't run when he gets tagged b) he doesn't run when he's ahead, he will toe to toe to prove a point (and as much as I respect Bernard there ain't no way he's gonna do that (or has every done that) if he's a round or two ahead)
Both camps of fans are underestimating the other's fighters, but honestly I think Bernard's are underestimating Joe more. I'm lucky enough to have seen him fight from Eubank onwards as Bernard from RJJ onwards and I genuinely think Joe will beat him and that a prime Joe with an intact left hand would beat a prime Bernard.
Bernard will always have a chance as class is permanent (even if that class ain't pretty), but Joe has got the tools to deal with him - its Joe's to loose.
yeah very good points
I like Ricky Hatton, he's a great fighter, with the emphasis on fighter not boxer, but he does not have either the skill or the handspeed of Joe. I can't see how anyone looking at him can say he lacks rythm throwing 5/6 punches a second ffs.
You're talking about a 36 year old who's ben in against some dirty spoiling fighters who lead with their head so that ain't going to be a shock to him either.
Objectively, what even the most ardent Joe fan will tell you is that a) he doesn't run when he gets tagged b) he doesn't run when he's ahead, he will toe to toe to prove a point (and as much as I respect Bernard there ain't no way he's gonna do that (or has every done that) if he's a round or two ahead)
Both camps of fans are underestimating the other's fighters, but honestly I think Bernard's are underestimating Joe more. I'm lucky enough to have seen him fight from Eubank onwards as Bernard from RJJ onwards and I genuinely think Joe will beat him and that a prime Joe with an intact left hand would beat a prime Bernard.
Bernard will always have a chance as class is permanent (even if that class ain't pretty), but Joe has got the tools to deal with him - its Joe's to loose.
Good points.
I like Ricky Hatton, he's a great fighter, with the emphasis on fighter not boxer, but he does not have either the skill or the handspeed of Joe. I can't see how anyone looking at him can say he lacks rythm throwing 5/6 punches a second ffs.
You're talking about a 36 year old who's ben in against some dirty spoiling fighters who lead with their head so that ain't going to be a shock to him either.
Objectively, what even the most ardent Joe fan will tell you is that a) he doesn't run when he gets tagged b) he doesn't run when he's ahead, he will toe to toe to prove a point (and as much as I respect Bernard there ain't no way he's gonna do that (or has every done that) if he's a round or two ahead)
Both camps of fans are underestimating the other's fighters, but honestly I think Bernard's are underestimating Joe more. I'm lucky enough to have seen him fight from Eubank onwards as Bernard from RJJ onwards and I genuinely think Joe will beat him and that a prime Joe with an intact left hand would beat a prime Bernard.
Bernard will always have a chance as class is permanent (even if that class ain't pretty), but Joe has got the tools to deal with him - its Joe's to loose.
At present there is no-one capable of 'schooling' Calzaghe. Not at 168 at least.
If he loses... which is pretty unlikely.... it will be by an ugly, disputed decision. A head butt or two and lots of clinging on by B-Hop.
I doubt Calzaghe will lose his head like Hatton did. Calzaghe is a veteran and all he has to do to impress is to fight his fight and beat his opponent, I think he learned his lesson showboating in the Bika fight.
Joe is 35 he’s no young kid weighting for his big chance i think he'll go out there and fight just the way he would if the fight were in Wales
someone as seasoned as Joe is not going to go into the ring trying to impress American fight fans. he'll go out there and do what he always does win the fight and i have no dout he will put on a good show and win over more support anyway
I agree i smell a Hatton Loss too busy trying to be eager beaver.LOL
Yeah except Hatton was fighting the best fighter in the world. The guy Cal-Z is fighting is 43. Cal-Z's resume does leave an observer skeptical... but not stupid. It'll be tough for Hopkins to pull this one out.
I don't know what Joe could do any different. Perhaps alot more showboating trying to look Roy Jones-esque with his arms low.
To me Joe always seems like he wants to do some moves Roy jones used to do but winds up looking like a queer fighting his way out of spider webs.
Joe just simply does not have that rhytm.
With the excitement and crowd. Im thinking Joe throws and throws but does no real damage to Hopkins. Joe is tired early and B-Hop executes his usual plan and picks a tired Joe apart.
Yep, Exactly!!
I don't know what Joe could do any different. Perhaps alot more showboating trying to look Roy Jones-esque with his arms low.
To me Joe always seems like he wants to do some moves Roy jones used to do but winds up looking like a queer fighting his way out of spider webs.
Joe just simply does not have that rhytm.
i think joe is to controlled for this. if he losses its because hopkins breaks down peoples tecnique and exploids there weekness. (he broke winky down when no one else could)