Why is Calzaghe-Hopkins at 175 pounds?

[ИATAS]

Actually it is because Hopkins chose not to fight at 168. Contrary to some beliefs Calzaghe would have never left 168 if Hopkins would have moved down.

Nov 5th, 2007
Joe Calzaghe:
"I've always said throughout my career that I'd love to move up to light heavyweight and win the title at that weight," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"I've done everything at this weight, I've won all four belts."

"Winning this fight secured my legacy as maybe the best super middleweight of all time. So much rested on this for me.

"I don't think there's anything to achieve now at super middleweight."

[Degsy]

I dont either.

Joe is an inch shorter and has a shorter reach, but his neck is about 2 inches thicker than Nard's

[FRKO]

Actually it is because Hopkins chose not to fight at 168. Contrary to some beliefs Calzaghe would have never left 168 if Hopkins would have moved down.

That's completely wrong.

I'm not sure how many times someone needs to mention Joe's natural weight, but eventually the message might sink in, hopefully.

Calzaghe's natural weight is around 196 pounds (14 stones, if you're a UK person). He always had to starve himself and punish his body to make 168. Joe has been talking about moving up in weight for years, as he is naturally closer to cruiser (200 pounds) or even heavyweight (above 200 pounds) than super middle (168)! Not that I think he could be a good cruiser, but that's besides the point. I do believe he'll be great at light heavyweight, though. Less punishment for the body / less weight drainage will make him better all-round.

Calzaghe is a bigger guy than most people think. You could be excused for thinking Hopkins is bigger because he stands about 1-2 inches taller. I'm not sure of Hopkins' natural weight, but I don't think he's heavier than Joe.

Think about it, and you'll see the best possible weight division for Joe is light heavy.

[Drunk Punch]

Joe said he achieved everything he wanted to at SMW so it was time to move up. I think a catchweight would have made the fight pointless.

[Boxinguru]

Hopkins cant make 168 pounds?

I don't think that's the problem... The fight is for Hopkins's RING magazine's LHW belt! So Joe has to move up in weight to Challenge him & Joe's 168lbs belts will not be on the line...

[RisAri0]

I wonder how bhops gonna be at 170...

he already was...