From: B-Talk
Although final approval has not been obtained from the IBF yet, Golden Boy Promotions has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, Bernard Hopkins' 48th birthday, to announce Hopkins will challenge IBF light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud on March 9th at Brooklyn, New York's Barclay Center.
Hopkins will attempt to break his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a world championship when he faces the undefeated Cloud HBO World Championship Boxing will televise.
If Pascal could knock Hopkins down, the heavier hitting Cloud could probably hurt Hopkins a number of times, especially at his age. Hopkins has never fought a fighter who hits as hard as Cloud and his legs wont be as good. Campillo throws a lot more punches and uses range better than Hopkins. If Hopkins wins, it will be close as it always is with Hopkins. Just hope that isn't the night that Hopkins gets stopped for the first time. That would be sad as hell.
I would not say Cloud is the heavyiest puncher Hopkins has faced. The list of heavy hitters that Hopkins has faced is quite amazing. That is why at the age and fights, I have never seen Hopkins seriously hurt in a fight, and if he was it has slipped my memory. I don't believe he was at all hurt in the two knock downs against Pascal, more off balance from one and a punch to the back of the head.
Cloud got schooled by Campillo but he might have overlooked him. I still got Hopkins by decision though, Cloud is pretty one-dimensional, Campillo made him seem like another Jeff Lacey
This is bizarre. Hopkins will be 48 years old, and this looks to be the first fight ever, where Hopkins is favored against a young, undefeated, top 3 fighter. He's been underdog in every single big fight of his except for the rematch against Pascal.
i can see how hopkins could win this fight, cloud is strong and fast but i think bernards way of ugly winning i feel takes him to the W against the shorter cloud.
Cloud is strong and slow you mean. There's nothing fast about Cloud. Remember Johnson matched everything Cloud had, power, chin, speed. And Johnson was already pretty old.
If Pascal could knock Hopkins down, the heavier hitting Cloud could probably hurt Hopkins a number of times, especially at his age. Hopkins has never fought a fighter who hits as hard as Cloud and his legs wont be as good. Campillo throws a lot more punches and uses range better than Hopkins. If Hopkins wins, it will be close as it always is with Hopkins. Just hope that isn't the night that Hopkins gets stopped for the first time. That would be sad as hell.
Only possible way I can even see Cloud when a fight against Hopkins, is because this past year of not fighting since campillo; he has done a complete game change and has become great at it. Cloud is a sloppy fighter, which is great for Hopkins set skills he already possess.
Pascal had Hopkins hurt and down early. Cloud hits hard. That's his chance, he has to come out and take advantage of Hopkins early. Hopkins punch resistance and athleticism aren't exactly going to be better since we last saw him. If the fight goes past six or seven, it will probably be a Hopkins domination from that point on.
I'm probably way wrong, but I think this is the fight where Father Time beats Hopkins. If not, well Cloud better put some early rounds in the bank, with knockdowns, or he's losing a wide decision.
I voted Cloud to win on points. I think Hopkins is a great fighter but just to old to handle a big, strong, young bull like Cloud just as he could no longer handle Dawson. A few years ago Hopkins would win easily but old age catches up with everyone, even Bernard.
Only possible way I can even see Cloud when a fight against Hopkins, is because this past year of not fighting since campillo; he has done a complete game change and has become great at it. Cloud is a sloppy fighter, which is great for Hopkins set skills he already possess.
I voted Cloud to win on points. I think Hopkins is a great fighter but just to old to handle a big, strong, young bull like Cloud just as he could no longer handle Dawson. A few years ago Hopkins would win easily but old age catches up with everyone, even Bernard.
Against Campillo, which many people believed Campillo won the fight.
Though Cloud knocked him down I believe twice in the first round; Campillo came back and out boxed him for 11 rounds, throwing great combinations but Cload was given the split decision.
Ohh yea, I forgot that was earlier this year. I just remember he was going to fight Pascal but it kept getting cancelled
Tuff sell in NY, without a strong undercard this match alone won't draw flies on S..t! I wouldn't pay a dime to see Hopkins, the only way he matches up to a good bout is if his opponent is a comer and is strong! Thats the only intrique because to watch Bernard is like watching paint dry!!! Boring!! Ray.