Your Official Standpoint on Calzaghe vs Hopkins

[Orion]

Has Calzaghe fought such a smart skilled dirty fighter as Hopkins in his career? Hopkins knows all the tricks, im not sure Calzaghe is gonna be ready for this.

[T-97]

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[sarlick]

calzaghe ko in round 11 or 12

[TheGreatA]

Calzaghe wins a dull decision by being the aggressor, throwing many more punches than the 43 year old Hopkins.

Hopkins might frustrate Calzaghe with his accurate counter punching and rough tactics (headbutting, clinching) but I don't think Calzaghe would let an old man beat him under any circumstances.

If Calzaghe does let Hopkins beat him, I will give Hopkins all the credit because that would be a truly great win for him even if Cortez and the judges were slightly biased against Calzaghe.

Hopkins is still the one fighting in there (years out of his prime, having won decisions over men of similar age Wright and Tarver) against a fast, tough and skilled punching machine Calzaghe (who might be slightly past his prime as well but still dangerous to any fighter, as shown against a much younger Kessler).

I just wonder how much Hopkins has left at this point.
A prime Hopkins could've probably competed evenly with Calzaghe but in his last few fights he has lacked the offensive output he used to have in his prime.

His defense and ring-intelligence make him a tough opponent but I don't think it's going to be enough against Calzaghe.

[The Hammer]

Calzaghe wins a dull decision by being the aggressor, throwing many more punches than the 43 year old Hopkins.

Hopkins might frustrate Calzaghe with his accurate counter punching and rough tactics (headbutting, clinching) but I don't think Calzaghe would let an old man beat him under any circumstances.

If Calzaghe does let Hopkins beat him, I will give Hopkins all the credit because that would be a truly great win for him even if Cortez and the judges were slightly biased against Calzaghe.

Hopkins is still the one fighting in there (years out of his prime, having won decisions over men of similar age Wright and Tarver) against a fast, tough and skilled punching machine Calzaghe (who might be slightly past his prime as well but still dangerous to any fighter, as shown against a much younger Kessler).

I just wonder how much Hopkins has left at this point.
A prime Hopkins could've probably competed evenly with Calzaghe but in his last few fights he has lacked the offensive output he used to have in his prime.

His defense and ring-intelligence make him a tough opponent but I don't think it's going to be enough against Calzaghe.

Clearly, you're one of those who'll just say "Hopkins was just an old man" after Calzaghe beats him!

But if B-Hop really is so past it as you say, why does the Ring have him as p4p #4 and BoxRec rate Hopkins as p4p#1? He won his fight with then-p4p Wright (through dirty tactics).

Wright isn't a "similar age" to Hopkins, he's the same age, 36, as Calzaghe! I bet you discredit Calzaghe's win over Eubank, by saying Chris was an "old man" at age 31.

Kind of the same way you discredit Marciano's resume, right? Why don't you send Hopkins a walking cane while you're at it?

lol

[SHB]

calzaghe to win a UD by 4 points

Exactly as I have it, although I'm probably being too kind on old Pop.

[J_CON]

Calzaghe by SD

[Ryn0]

I know there are countless Calzaghe vs Hopkins threads, but I want you to officially state your verdict in here. What I'm basically trying to avoid is Calzaghe fans overrating Hopkins after the fight (should he win) having called him a washed up old man in their prediction or Hopkins fans saying claiming B-Hop was just a washed up old man (should he lose) having predicted he was going to whup Calzaghe.

I don't want there to be a place to hide for people on April 19th. If you're man enough, state your prediction. I want it all on record, so we have the victory of either fighter in proper context.

I'll start.

My Prediction: Calzaghe to win a close UD, having been frustrated by Hopkins all night but not really challenged.

Calzaghe wins in a clear fashion no real trouble, but not in a totally dominant victory.

[warp1432]

It'll be a competitive match where I think Hopkins will win.

In the first two rounds Hopkins will be feeling Calzaghe out, not really doing that much and Calzaghe's pace will seem better.

In round 3, Hopkins lands some good right hands, followed by Hopkins tieing him up. Calzaghe will look a bit frustrated, but will have some moments making it a close, but Hopkins round.

Round 4 will be another feel out round as Calzaghe is going to try to box him. After getting hit with rights he'll be more cautious. Nothing really happens and Calzaghe realizes that the round is there for the open and flurries at the end stealing it.

Rounds 5-7 will be Hopkins rounds right in a row. He knows Joe will come foward more since that is what definietly winning him rounds. However, Hopkins will land some really good clean right hands and make it a dirty fight. Cortez will be hesitant to call some stuff at first since he doesn't want to be critized like Mayweather Hatton.

Round 8 will be a mild turning point. Hopkins will make it rough and Cortez will finally have enough of it deducting a point from Bernard. Calzaghe will get a second wind and taking advantage of it winning the round. Rounds 9 and 10 will be competive, but Calzaghe will look somewhat better with flurries that will look good, but won't really land. These two will be toss ups.

Hopkins, being the stronger finisher, will without a doubt take rounds 11 and 12.

That would put a 114-113 decision for Hopkins or a 115-112 win. That's how I see it playing out, but it wouldn't suprise me if Calzaghe wins.

[abadger]

Briefly, Calzaghe UD after fairly dominant performance. Outclasses Hopkins in virtually every department. May be closer on cards than in reality.

Full views here:

http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172426

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