Hopkins: "I'll Hand Calzaghe His First Loss"

[moofo]

Yeah, like the size advantage he had over Antonio Tarver.

Like Antonio Tarver was even on form and active or ever true world class?
Apart from his fights with a shot RJJ and a mediocre Glen Joihnson what has he done?
Gimme a break eh?

[IMDAZED]

Tarver was world-class but in all seriousness, he had no shot against a wiley Hopkins - who followed the blueprint Jones used in the third Tarver bout. Only difference was that he fought like he had balls. But fighting Calzaghe is an entirely different beast.

[SHB]

Everbody's saying Joe this and Joe that but, Hopkins is a vet...and a technician at making fighters fight HIS fight HIS way and if that happens Joe will just be another statistic.

Aye, the veteran Hopkins will dominate against the rookie Calzaghe ...

Was the Bika fight an indicator of this one? Possibly. If it was I would argue the second half of that fight shows what will happen (dismissing the first few rounds due to idiotic showboating by Calzaghe) - lots of in-close fighting, heads clashing but Calzaghe simply landing more and outworking his opponent.

Hopkins ain't going to win this one by throwing a dozen punches a round.

[Addison]

I don't see Hopkins beating Calzaghe right now. In fact, I think he gets outpointed and battered should the two square off today. Hops showed signs of slowing down against Winky, I don't like his chances against a lefty with hand speed, foot speed, skills, power, a chin and the experience Calzaghe brings to the table. NO WAY.

Calzaghe did not look particularly fast nor powerful last saturday.

He looked outrageously skilled and elusive. It was his experience and craftiness that carried him. Not any of these supposed attributes he still has. His handspeed is pretty good still but far from overwhelming. His power is good as well, but will do little factoring with an elusive target like Hopkins.

Calzaghe has gotten himself through these bigger fights with determination and shot selection, but all his true advantages will be canceled out in competition with an adversary like Bernard Hopkins.

Joe has to fight a PERFECT to beat Bernard.

Joe don't fight perfect fights. Ever.

[Addison]

Like Antonio Tarver was even on form and active or ever true world class?
Apart from his fights with a shot RJJ and a mediocre Glen Joihnson what has he done?
Gimme a break eh?

I think I gave you a break ON THE SUBJECT.

Trying to change it doesn't alter the score.

Me 1.

You nothing.

[IMDAZED]

Calzaghe did not look particularly fast nor powerful last saturday.

He looked outrageously skilled and elusive. It was his experience and craftiness that carried him. Not any of these supposed attributes he still has. His handspeed is pretty good still but far from overwhelming. His power is good as well, but will do little factoring with an elusive target like Hopkins.

Calzaghe has gotten himself through these bigger fights with determination and shot selection, but all his true advantages will be canceled out in competition with an adversary like Bernard Hopkins.

Joe has to fight a PERFECT to beat Bernard.

Joe don't fight perfect fights. Ever.

Interesting.

Bernard Hopkins simply does not have the workrate to beat Joe Calzaghe. Furthermore, his formula of selectively picking shots that break down his opponent will not work against a guy who's been at 168 for his whole career. How will Hops operate?

[kevtwin]

Am I the only brit that would be cheering for Hopkins??

Who cares...Joe is welsh not british. you watch if hatton wins the press will hail the english champion,. when joe wins he is suddenly british.

as for cheering hopkins, your choice, but hopkins wont fight him i can assure you of that

[Zerwas1]

Who wants to bet on Hopkins? I'm for Calzaghe, lets bet, when the fight is signed.

[Pugilistic™]

Am I the only brit that would be cheering for Hopkins??

nope i will be too.

[Addison]

Interesting.

Bernard Hopkins simply does not have the workrate to beat Joe Calzaghe. Furthermore, his formula of selectively picking shots that break down his opponent will not work against a guy who's been at 168 for his whole career. How will Hops operate?

All due respect to Joe Calzaghe who is a fantastic fighter - but if Bernard Hopkins can outwork Winky Wright and crack his guard; the old line about how Bernard can't increase his workrate or adapt is as old as last year.

People are too caught up in the popcorn era of Bernard Hopkins when the media was putting impressions in folks heads about what type of fighter Hopkins is and was.

Aside from his losses to notable athletic foes Hopkins has always done whatever is required of him to win fights. He's not a robot who throws a specific number of punches regardless of what's going on.