I agree, Hopkins is done if he goes up to fight Tarver. This fight is pathetic, the only intrigue is from the following factors: Hopkins advanced age-Hopkins going up 2 weight classes-Tarver being having to slim back down into fighting shape (I think these factors outweight Hopkins speed vs. Tarvers power because of the slow pace of the fight). I don't like either of these guys and I agree w/ most of you, this fight will be a snore fest. I'd rather watch Cotto - Malignaggi, I have a feeling that fight will be closer than people think. Cotto seems to have regressed in his past few fights. Malignaggi hasn't fought anybody but he has the speed/craftiness to give Cotto some problems. Neither of these is worth the PPV money.
I like Lacey and hope this doesn't have the same effect on him as Tito's whooping did on Vargas. Both guys took on more than they could handle w/ Joe and Tito, early in their careers and took a beating as a result (more so in the case of Vargas, but Laceys was helpless in his fight).
I'm not that excited about this fight either. As a boxing fan, I'll watch it but I'm not shelling out the $50 to watch it at home. This fight is on the same level as the Mayweather-Judah fight. The only way Judah or Mayorga will win is with haymaker from hell otherwise they'll both be outclassed in their fights. I'm disappointed that Goldy isn't fighting a bigger name to solidify his career. Hopefully he is sincere about taking on Mayweather for his last fight, in that case I can see why he is taking this tune-up fight (while adding a paper title).
Although I want to see Pac whoop on Barrera again, I don't think it will happen. This is similar to the Mayweather-Margarito situation, Mayweather/Barrera are making challenges to fighter's that already have another fight lined up. I think Barrera's just making this challenge with the anticipation that Pac will turn it down.
What about this instead?...Instead of Manny, Barrera faces Bobby Pacquiao, kills him in the ring (not literally but puts on a beating that ends Bobby's career). Barrera then swipes the mic from the announcers paws and calls out Manny who is in the ring holding his beaten/bloodied brother. Manny has no choice but to accept the challenge-what a build up! This totally has the Best of the Best/Kickboxer feel to it.