I know there are countless Calzaghe vs Hopkins threads, but I want you to officially state your verdict in here. What I'm basically trying to avoid is Calzaghe fans overrating Hopkins after the fight (should he win) having called him a washed up old man in their prediction or Hopkins fans saying claiming B-Hop was just a washed up old man (should he lose) having predicted he was going to whup Calzaghe.
I don't want there to be a place to hide for people on April 19th. If you're man enough, state your prediction. I want it all on record, so we have the victory of either fighter in proper context.
I'll start.
My Prediction: Calzaghe to win a close UD, having been frustrated by Hopkins all night but not really challenged.
Hopkins to roll back the years one more time.
Calzaghe throws bundles of punches but they have nothing behind them, and volume doesn't always translate to victory. Hopkins can handle that (see Wright fight) and not only will he handle it, but he'll take advantage of opportunities Joe presents by coming forward.
I reckon Bernard will steal it 115-113, 7 rounds to 5 in a pretty close fight
In all those other threads I was just dicking around. In this one my opinion will be official, since it says so in the title.
I just want some no-excuse posts down on record. I don't want the people making bravado claims to be able to change their tune.
I've added this thread to my favourites, so if it drops I can always refer back to it. I'll bump the thread after the fight.
The more time goes on and I read comments from people, the fighters, watch video's, the more I see a Calzaghe win, though due to Hopkins dirty tactics and it being the US, a SD.
Given Kessler's connections, I really don't see Calzaghe going down, that's realistically Hopkins main chance. So a points win for Bernard would be dubious and controversial to be frank and honest.
If, and I say if, Hopkins catches Joe out with a few hard punches, cuts Calzaghe by whatever means, and Cortez doesn't come down on such stuff, Bernard could well take it.
Far more likely imo, is Joe outwitting and classing Bernard and knocking Bernards head from side to side, draining his energy and feel for when to drop some bombs, so they only do a few times at most. Joe by SD, UD if it's a fairer fight then most expect.
In all those other threads I was just dicking around. In this one my opinion will be official, since it says so in the title.
Have you already posted your prediction, kayjay?
Hopkins by suprisingly easy mid-round knockdown stoppage
Good.
Another stupid prediction I can quote from you now and use against you when Calzaghe wins and you start saying Hopkins was too old.
Yeah I can agree with that.
I just tend to think being the smaller guy and losing because of that is really overrated. Plently of smaller fighters have been sucessful at higher weights and so if the smaller guy loses, then it shouldn't discredit the other guy.
I agree a guy should get credit. But let's say Floyd wanted fights at MW with Kelly Pavlik to equal Oscar's accomplishment of 6 divisions. If Kelly knocks him out, does he automatically become the best fighter in the world? More realistic perhaps is Pacquiao fighting Hatton at 140, if Hatton wins should he get full credit? I don't think so.
Clash of styles not for the good either ,im not expecting a lot at all TBH
If Hopkins is'nt able to get done what he wants to then i dont think he will force the issue & risk all to win ,but if his style troubles Calzaghe then i can see Joe really Pushing the issue and making it an entertaining fight to try & eak out a decision ,the oweness is on Joe for entertainment value
it will only be an entertaining fight if Calzaghe falls behind IMO ,B Hop could have beaten J Taylor but his reluctance or lack of youth meant he was content to sit their and let Taylor outwork him and take his titles ,Hopkins has earned his stripes he is 43 years old he does'nt want or need this fight as much as Calzaghe ,so IMO if what he does is not good enough then he has lost cuase he is not ther type of fighter to push the issue & chase victory like Joe Calzaghe would
Yeah I can agree with that.
I just tend to think being the smaller guy and losing because of that is really overrated. Plently of smaller fighters have been sucessful at higher weights and so if the smaller guy loses, then it shouldn't discredit the other guy.