Despite his recent ups (and downs), hanging em' up after this fight would a perfect way for a legend like Bernard to go out. Ask yourself this; how could B-hop ever top this moment if he continued to fight?
If he keeps fighting, he will win some and lose some, losing more often the longer he stays in the game. He just schooled the mw champ, the conqueror of Taylor, and a hard hitting phenomenon 17 years his junior.
If he leaves now he:
A) gets to go out at the top of his game, after a bravura performance (and possibly his most impressive victory in a long career)
B) gets to leave with his health intact (hopefully)
C) will cap his career with an awesome upset on roughly the 20th anniversary of his first fight (and first loss)
D) Could potentially train Kelly Pavlik or other fighters, and add to his legacy in that way.
I've been ragging on Hopkins for his dull performances recently,yet I'd be excited to see him fight again after this. Nevertheless, I can see little reason now for Hopkins to go on fighting; I think he's already achieved everything he needs to, it can only downhill from here on out.
What can he follow this with? Eeking out a close decision against Calzaghe? Fighting an over the hill Jones Jr (who is MUCH worse for wear than Hopkins)? Losing or winning a SD against Dawson?
This is the high that Hopkins needs to go out on. If he fights again though, I will surely be watching.
Thoughts?
If he keeps fighting, he will win some and lose some, losing more often the longer he stays in the game. He just schooled the mw champ, the conqueror of Taylor, and a hard hitting phenomenon 17 years his junior.
If he leaves now he:
A) gets to go out at the top of his game, after a bravura performance (and possibly his most impressive victory in a long career)
B) gets to leave with his health intact (hopefully)
C) will cap his career with an awesome upset on roughly the 20th anniversary of his first fight (and first loss)
D) Could potentially train Kelly Pavlik or other fighters, and add to his legacy in that way.
I've been ragging on Hopkins for his dull performances recently,yet I'd be excited to see him fight again after this. Nevertheless, I can see little reason now for Hopkins to go on fighting; I think he's already achieved everything he needs to, it can only downhill from here on out.
What can he follow this with? Eeking out a close decision against Calzaghe? Fighting an over the hill Jones Jr (who is MUCH worse for wear than Hopkins)? Losing or winning a SD against Dawson?
This is the high that Hopkins needs to go out on. If he fights again though, I will surely be watching.
Thoughts?
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