Well let's look at it. I'll preface it by saying I have nothing but respect for BHOP. What he was able to accomplish at 46 is remarkable, a true champion indeed. Now on to the resume:
Let's start with the Trinidad fight, probably the defining moment of his career. Trinidad was straight up wrecking opponents on his way up to middleweight from welterweight, and BHOP schooled him, to me the high point of his career. Next look at Oscar. Oscar had one middleweight fight prior to fighting BHOP against Felix Sturm, and contrary to the decision he lost. Remember BHOP sitting in the dressing room looking panicked as he watched his huge payday almost slip away,. He stopped Oscar and should have, Dela Hoya had no business being in there at 160. Then after dropping a couple of close decisions to Jermain Taylor, he beat Winky at 170 if my memory serves me correct. Winky at 170 just seems wrong to me, 160 was about as high as he should have ever went.
On to Tarver. Tarver made his way by basically ending Roy Jones. That said BHOP deserves full credit for this win as he took the title from Tarver in a great performance.
That forced him into an eventual fight with Calzaghe, which didn't turn out well. He then took some time off and then instead of fighting at light heavy, he returns to fight Pavlik at catch weight of 170? You tell me outside of Pacquiao who has done well by jumping up 10 pounds to fight a respected champion and done well, in this case Pavlik?
Hopkins looked good, but hell he should have, he just beat an already slower plodding middleweight.
After a couple of bad fights one being the long awaited rematch with Jones, he chooses to fight Pascal. Only after Pascal beats Dawson, Dawson clearly a fighter he has much respect for. Hell he has been dodging that fight for the last 3 years. I give him credit for beating a younger strong fighter in Pascal at such an old age, beautiful to watch the other night, but Dawson has been the man at light heavy for awhile now.
Long story short, In my opinion BHOP is one of the best of all time. I just think his career as a middleweight should get more respect than the work he has done in the past couple of years. BHOP knows how to work the angles in and out of the ring. Its always a risk v reward thing with him, which is smart buisness no doubt. However, in the end its about fighting the best, and Dawson is and has always been the best opponent for BHOP over the last few years. I would like to see him get in the ring with him, but I would bet that Bute is who he goes after first. More money smaller opponent.
Winky is no HOFer. Cotto and Hatton will make it to the HOF before Winky will, Cotto in particular. Also throw JMM on Pacquiao's list.
Winky's career highlight is his two wins over Shane. Take those away and he's just another name. Maybe if he actually did anything before or after those Shane wins he could make a case for himself, but sadly, he didn't. I'm still a fan though, Winky is a straight shooter and a nice guy. A guy you can actually respect as a person.
BHop's win over Roy is worse than Pacquiao's win over Shane. At least Shane had a puncher's chance in the fight whereas Roy was completely dry.
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