Would Bernard Hopkins have had a successful career without illegal tactics?

[Doctor_Tenma]

He still would, he's a great boxer. However his record wouldn't be as good and he would be more of an opportunist than he already is.


Same applies to Floyd.

His record wouldn't be as good? So who would have beaten him if not for his dirty tactics?

[mathed]

Nah, his illegal tactics are part of his style. He lands plenty of clean blows especially lately. It's like he has purposely gotten more aggressive later on in his career. I'll say he used to be pretty shady but I honestly think the man is one of the greatest boxers, or boxers with the highest ring IQ of all-time.

[Cinci Champ]

thats like saying if mayweather had no defense the guy knows how to get away with things its part of the sport

[mathed]

What illegal tactics did he use against Oscar, Eastman, Tarver, Pavlik, Pascal and Shumenov?

The Shumenov fight really illustrates the fact that he is capable of winning beating his opponent up.

[Pechorin]

Bernard Hopkins is the master of illegal ring tactics.

But with HONEST referees, if he had to fight WITHIN THE RULES, would he have had much success as a boxer?

Could he have made it on boxing skills and athleticism, like prime Roy Jones Jr?

I don't know how to embed, but this video illustrates your him being a “master of illegal ring tactics” mantra.

http://********/aH053p5IQg0

[-Hyperion-]

As succesful?Obviously not....

Winky Wright would've beat him easily if not for the 100 clinches and blatant headbutts...once Hopkins felt he couldn't evade the jab he dropped Winky with a headbutt and left a huge gash on his eye...

Calzaghe would've maybe forced a stoppage if Hopkins didn't pretend he was fouled...

Chad Dawson would've beat him down in their first fight if he hadn't quit like a *****...

Should've been DQ'ed in any fight in which he clinched more than 30 times....just like Wlad.

[Rip Chudd]

Could Wladimir?

[The Hammer]

I don't know how to embed, but this video illustrates your him being a “master of illegal ring tactics” mantra.

Good find.

[betmen]

the referee doesn't mind so is not really illegal

[Redd Foxx]

That's pretty much all he is anymore, is a guy who pushes the rules. But, I still think it's amazing he can even pull that off against top competition at his age, so I don't get too worked up about it.