If Hopkins fights Stevenson down the road before Adonis and Kovalev fight, beats him and than retires after winning the lineal championship, would you say he ducked Kovalev?
At this point, Hopkins can do whatever he wants. He has nothing left to prove.
He doesn't. At his age I don't see how anyone could begrudge him retirement even now.
Not many fighters can be 50 and accused of ducking lol
Exactly. Technically, this scenario would be ducking, but it's old ass Hopkins. He doesn't owe anyone anything.
It would be massively disappointing to see a true lineal championship bite the dust as it has added lots of drama to the light heavyweight division.
Saying that who could begrudge BHop going out on a victory like that after a hall of fame career that's lasted longer than I've been alive? It would be a great story
No, you don't.
Well you certainly have the right to retire after nearly a quarter century or more in the ring. Hell most companies and militaries give you a gold watch, pension and have a farewell party after 20.
His age is irrelevant. Either it's a duck or it isn't.
Wrong, when you're 50 years old you have the right to avoid tough opponents without it being called a duck.
For the record I wouldn't blame Hopkins if he retired after fighting Stevenson, he really shouldn't be fighting (at his age) as it is, although I would rather see him fight Kovalev (I think he's the more dangerous opponent).
His age is irrelevant. Either it's a duck or it isn't.
How is age irrelevant? You don't think a fighter has the right to say when he hangs his gloves up?
No,,,
When you have been around as long as Hopkins has been and his age,, he can stop whenever he wants..
Retiring after becoming lineal lhw champ would be awesome