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A month ago I was about 60-40 in Joe's favour which a poll roughly was aswell. The more time goes on, I watch interviews, read about tactics, and debates like this, leaves me with more confidence at 70-30 in Joe's favour.
Hopkins will be big and muscley, so what, nothing majorly new for Joe, and it will visibly look in Hopkins favour. But after a few rounds Joe often stamps his own style down, more composed than say Hatton, and not easily bullied.
The first round Joe will probably have his wits about him, 2nd to an extent but less so, and could get caught out by Hopkins eagerness to start roughing him up. Timing will be key here, and there's every chance Hopkins will time a couple of beauts, really there is. But looking at Joes record and his video's, I favour more Joe getting through the first 2 rounds with his quickness, and watching out for, and getting a feel for Hopkins. He will as always adapt well, and 3rd round will be key imo. Both fighters will be looking to make a psycholical win, and I reckon it'll be Joe, once again.
Hopkins will shock him with some well timed punches yes, probably more than Kessler did, not more powerful, but timing will shock Joe a little. I think, and hope Joe will be prepared for that, and has been said, will raise his game and from round 6 onwards, start to come into his own.
There on we'll see Bika esk styles, executed better, but still a true Calzaghe on his game should hold firm with competent foot work, selecting his shots well. He'll have sussed Hopkins style and timing, to the point Hopkins only has rough tactics left, and Joe only has that to think about. Joe can adapt to several styles over a long fight, having to only deal with timing of counters til round 5, and rough tactics there on, it'll be Calzage's experience and great boxing brain that'll come through.
That's my prediction, I'm not saying Joe will knock out, it's a tight American points call, and Hopkins could well catch him out with his hands down, and alter the fight massively. But that's my prediction, and if true I think Calzaghe would be comfortable having come through all that, he just needs to keep his wits about him which he should do.Last edited by Kris Silver; 03-29-2008, 05:52 PM.Comment
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