Actual Basis For Picking A Winner: Hopkins vs. Calzaghe?

[tyson]

We'll look smart after the fight.

It's easy to predict the predictable outcome, innit?

Show some wisdom, prove me right

[sparked_85]

I think Calzaghe's physical strength will be the defining factor.

I think he'll more than hold his own in the clinches. Taking a significant part of Bernards game a way. Hopkins age is a factor. He is going have to fight.

[Njord777]

That one sentence is worth more than the 5000 thread pages that have been explored on this fight. Sensational stuff, Njord.

Thanks, Add.

Honestly, though, I feel like although I favor Calzaghe he's a prohibitive favorite, you know? We know Hopkins is an elite level veteran fighter, and all time great middleweight, who is moving up to face this younger, undefeated, and throughout the majority of his career; larger man. But we know Bernard can hustle. We know he can pull out tricks from the old school; shoulder rolls, arm punches, etc. Calzaghe should be younger though and able to use his speed to throw a steady barrage at Bernard all night and win.

But this is an elite level fight. Bernard Hopkins has proven his mettle. To an extent Joe Calzaghe has begun to make people take notice, too. When it comes down to it, though, this is about two class 'A' fighters who both obviously have a game plan to win. Hopkins is going to know he's slower, older, and could be hurt - so his game plan is going to incorporate those weaknesses and formulate a strategy to win. It probably focuses on timing and counter punching.

But can he use his elite skills to counterbalance Calzaghe's speed and activity? This isn't even necessarily about anything other than who, on that night, executes their game better. This isn't the type of fight where, say, one fighter is weak against Southpaws and is fighting a power punching Southpaw who- thereby- posses an obvious risk. On paper, despite age, neither guy should be a giant favorite....so this isn't really about skill vs. skill. This is about who has more experience inside that ring with staying focused, determined, and over the course of 12 rounds can use the advantages he has to execute the obviously opponent-tailored game plan he needs to.

Ring Generalship; Who can make the other fight his fight?

[tyson]

For real though, fans need to realize that Calzaghe needs to be perfect on his feet to beat Hopkins.

Why?

Because every single time Calzaghe will be in a position to throw punches, Bernard will not move backwards like everyone else.
He will move straight forward, butting and clinching, using shoulders and weight on Joe.

This will take a heavy toll on both Calzaghe's mental game and his physical state.

You don't need to take my word for it, go check every single opponent Hopkins has faced.
It's like walking in quicksand.

[Silencers]

It's easy to predict the predictable outcome, innit?

Show some wisdom, prove me right

Calzaghe by decision has been my prediction for a while.

You'll get plenty of wisdom after the fight.

[Mr. Philadel]

Defense: Hopkins
Punching Power: Hopkins
Ring Intelligence: Hopkins
Raw Strength: Hopkins
Footwork: Hopkins
Hand Speed: Calzaghe
Jab: Calzaghe
In-Fight: Hopkins
Corner: Hopkins
Mental: Hopkins
Chin: Equal! Neither Ever Been Stopped!
Quality Oppenents: Hopkins
Most Fans: Calzaghe

There you have it!

[Silencers]

For real though, fans need to realize that Calzaghe needs to be perfect on his feet to beat Hopkins.

Why?

Because every single time Calzaghe will be in a position to throw punches, Bernard will not move backwards like everyone else.
He will move straight forward, butting and clinching, using shoulders and weight on Joe.

This will take a heavy toll on both Calzaghe's mental game and his physical state.

You don't need to take my word for it, go check every single opponent Hopkins has faced.
It's like walking in quicksand.

But in the Taylor fights, Hopkins became way too defensive, I think Calzaghe throwing 80-90 punches a round will make him overly defensive again. Hopkins isn't as smart as he thinks he is.

[Njord777]

For real though, fans need to realize that Calzaghe needs to be perfect on his feet to beat Hopkins.

Why?

Because every single time Calzaghe will be in a position to throw punches, Bernard will not move backwards like everyone else.
He will move straight forward, butting and clinching, using shoulders and weight on Joe.

This will take a heavy toll on both Calzaghe's mental game and his physical state.

You don't need to take my word for it, go check every single opponent Hopkins has faced.
It's like walking in quicksand.

Honestly, if Calzaghe gets flustered and stars winging punches like he sometimes does I can see Hopkins using that head down, leaning forward, wide hook of his own. The type that hurt Tarver if I remember correctly. Where he doesn't even look, he throws that crusty noggin forward and wings one out there over an opponent's punch. Cal can't be as free with his angles as usual with Bernard. He needs to pick his shots a little more than he has at times in the past.

[tyson]

But in the Taylor fights, Hopkins became way too defensive, I think Calzaghe throwing 80-90 punches a round will make him overly defensive again. Hopkins isn't as smart as he thinks he is.

Yes, that is true.

But Taylor is a power-puncher, not reliant on activity.

I'd be more inclined to look at the Winky fight.

Plus I think Bernard has really benefitted from the weight gain.

[tyson]

Honestly, if Calzaghe gets flustered and stars winging punches like he sometimes does I can see Hopkins using that head down, leaning forward, wide hook of his own. The type that hurt Tarver if I remember correctly. Where he doesn't even look, he throws that crusty noggin forward and wings one out there over an opponent's punch. Cal can't be as free with his angles as usual with Bernard. He needs to pick his shots a little more than he has at times in the past.

I agree, good **** Njord