I respectfully disagree with a few things. Hopkins didn't get a boost of confidence because of a cut. His plan was to wear out Taylor and then go at him in the later rounds. His comments after the fight prove that. He just didn't start winning rounds early enough. By the 10th round, he knew he was ready to do something about the fight and went after him. Unfortunally he didn't get this knock down.
I still don't see Taylor as a big fighter. He may have the belts now but there are plenty of people around to take that away. I think it was more of Hopkins mistake than it was Taylors skill. And I think that it will be proven in the re-match. Hopkins gets VERY determined after a loss and especially at the end of his career.
Taylor actually may get overconfident. Before the fight he was cautious and trying to learn Hopkins. After winning the belts and beating Hopkins, he may think that he has the power and skill to beat Hopkins easy again. But I believe Hopkins will be a changed man in the next fight...
Your points make sense but I just think Hopkins will be too determined to win the last fight of his career.
He didn't beat Hopkins easy, though. Heck... Hopkins could've easily won that fight if the votes went just slightly different.
That's the bad thing about split decisions.
Personally I think Hopkins should've gotten the decision because it is who last in the end that matters. Obviously, Hopkins was schooling Taylor in all of the later rounds.