Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
www.eastsideboxing.com
19.09.06 - By Tim Neilson: According to Tim Smith, Bernard Hopkins, 42, now retired, is thinking of making a comeback as a heavyweight, if he can get a shot at fighting Oleg Maskaev (33-5, 26 KO's), the current WBC heavyweight champion. Apparently, Hopkins (47-4-1, 32 KO's) would need at least 9 months of training in order to pack on 25 lbs on his skinny 175 lb frame. More than that, he'd need the services of the great fitness trainer, Mackie Shilstone, Smith reports. Although, even if Hopkins can put on the weight, there's the question as to whether or not Oleg Maskaev, 37, would be interested in fighting Hopkins. Clearly, other than money, why would Maskaev want to waste time beating up an under-sized blown up light heavyweight, especially an older one at that? More significantly, by the time Hopkins is ready for the fight, he'll be 42-years-old. It would be a very risky fight for him, not just for his boxing legacy, but for his physical health.
For a fighter that has never been hit by a heavyweight, to suddenly decide to take on a world champion like Maskaev, seems like a potentially foolhardy idea, wouldn’t you think?
Granted, many boxing fans don't consider Maskaev to be the most talented of the four heavyweight champions, but one thing is sure, he can punch quite hard, much harder than the middle heavyweights that Hopkins has been accustomed to fighting during his career.
Plus, even if Hopkins can put on the 25 lbs to get up to 200 lbs, he'd still be outweighed by 35 lbs by Maskaev. In Hopkins last fight, he gained 15 pounds to fight Antonio Tarver. Although, Hopkins was able to dominate Tarver and push him around to win by a 12-round decision, I thought Hopkins looked bloated; his physique no longer cut up and defined. He was also visibly slower, so much so that he seemed reduced to punching and grabbing, a tactic that I'd never seen him use earlier in his career.
Having said that, I think Hopkins has the skills to beat Maskaev, who is considerably slower than Hopkins. However, all of Hopkins previous assets, namely height, reach and inside fighting advantage, would all be nullified by the taller 6’3” Maskaev, who would be able to bomb away from the outside or push the smaller Hopkins around on the inside.
A big obstacle, one that may ultimately cause this fight to never happen, is that Oleg Maskaev must first fight a voluntary defense against Peter Okhello in December 23. Following that fight, Maskaev has a mandatory defense against the Nigerian slugger Samuel Peter, shortly after. In the case of Peter, that's a big challenge for the 37-year-old Maskaev, who has had problems during his career against big punchers, being knocked out by fighters like David Tua, Oliver McCall, Lance Whitaker, and Cory Sanders. Samuel Peter, although a crude slugger, probably punches as hard, if not harder, than the fighters that have previously stopped Maskaev, so it will be a big question mark as to whether or not Maskaev can get past him.
Of course, if the public shows no interest in a potential Maskaev-Hopkins bout, than that will put a stop to this dream bout, just as easily as the obstacles mentioned above. To be sure, this fight would, of course, will be PPV, so unless people are willing to fork over $49.95 to see this farce, it will be pointless even arrange the fight. At this point, there is a big question mark as to who would be willing to pay this kind of money to see this. Maskaev, although a champion, isn’t well known by many people outside of the boxing world. I, for one, wouldn't pay a dime to see this spectacle. In fact, they'd have to pay me to watch it.
So, why of all the possible four heavyweight champions that Hopkins could have selected for his comeback, why did he choose Maskaev rather than, say Sergei Liakhovich or even better yet, Wladimir Klitschko? Come on, if Hopkins wants to impress people with his comeback, why not take on the best heavyweight in the division, Wladimir Klitschko? Certainly, that would be more of a challenge, not to mention the better marketable fight, wouldn't it? Is Hopkins choosing the path of least resistance? Just think about it, if Bernard Hopkins was able to beat Wladimir, he'd shock the boxing world and win even more admiration than he could ever dream of. To me, it seems like an easy choice. If Hopkins wants to gamble, he needs to gamble big and take on Wladimir. Either that, or forget the whole thing. Of course, Hopkins would stand very little chance of winning, in my estimation, and would all likelihood get taken out in the first couple of rounds of the fight, but at least he could say he tried. And, best of all, he'd make a lot of money, and that’s the most important thing, right?
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
I would like Hopkins to stay retired really....but if he is to come back as a heavyweight then its better to finish fighting the best. Beating Maskaev would be an achievement, but a little underwhelming really...
Best just to stay retired....
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Where the fuck do you find these idiotic articles Miles?
Hopkins looked bloated and lethargic against Tarver ???
His body was possibly one of the best and most chisseled I've ever seen. He looked absolutely fucking awesome, a point not lost on Jim Lampley who said during Hopks entrance, 'Just wait until you see Hopkins 175 lb body, it's awesome!'
As for him looking lethargic, maybe this poster is just confused. Just let me clarify the one with the milkdud head, flabby tits whose punches appeard to be travelling through water was TARVER. Hopkins was the other one :P
he then contradicts himself completely and utterly by firstly saying that Hopkins will be taking a huge risk fighting Maskaev who would hit him harder than he has ever been hit.
He counters this by saying that Hopkins has the skills to beat Maskeav and then calls the fight a farce ???
If Maskaev hits harder than anyone Hopkins has ever faced, plus he outweighs him by 35 lbs, but Hopkins has the better boxing ability and could outbox Maskaev if he can avoid his punches I'd say that makes for a really intriguing 50/50 fight, kind of like Toney vs Peter (Which turned out to be the second best heavyweight fight of they year after Brewster Liakovich) but even more so because Hopkins as a heavyweight is completely an unknown quantity.
I would love to see this matchup, it's hardly a farce.
As for this quote
At this point, there is a big question mark as to who would be willing to pay this kind of money to see this. Maskaev, although a champion, isn’t well known by many people outside of the boxing world. I, for one, wouldn't pay a dime to see this spectacle. In fact, they'd have to pay me to watch it.
What an idiot, this fight would be huge!
And then to end with well why doesn't he just take on Klitschko ???
He's never fought at heavyweight before, ever. Why would he or should he choosde to go in with unquestionably the best fighter in the division in his first fight.
Fucking hell Hatton found that stepping up 7 lbs to fight the weakest champion at 147 was nearly a bridge too far, and this asshole thinks Hopkins should move up 25 lbs and face the equivialent of Margarito in his first fight.
Sorry Miles but this article was written by a grade A imbecile!
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
The article is full of contradictions and such, but the main argument is quite accurate....why should we be completely sold on Hopkins going up to heavyweight to take the crown from a fighter that is a beefed up journeyman....its an achievement put it doesnt say all that much really....
Why not go the whole hog and try the unimaginable....that would be amazing, win or lose!!! ;)
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Hopkins would die in this fight. It would be murder by Maskaev. :nopity:
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Quote:
Originally Posted by bilbo
Where the F*** do you find these idiotic articles Miles?
Hopkins looked bloated and lethargic against Tarver ???
His body was possibly one of the best and most chisseled I've ever seen. He looked absolutely F****** awesome, a point not lost on Jim Lampley who said during Hopks entrance, 'Just wait until you see Hopkins 175 lb body, it's awesome!'
As for him looking lethargic, maybe this poster is just confused. Just let me clarify the one with the milkdud head, flabby tits whose punches appeard to be travelling through water was TARVER. Hopkins was the other one :P
he then contradicts himself completely and utterly by firstly saying that Hopkins will be taking a huge risk fighting Maskaev who would hit him harder than he has ever been hit.
He counters this by saying that Hopkins has the skills to beat Maskeav and then calls the fight a farce ???
If Maskaev hits harder than anyone Hopkins has ever faced, plus he outweighs him by 35 lbs, but Hopkins has the better boxing ability and could outbox Maskaev if he can avoid his punches I'd say that makes for a really intriguing 50/50 fight, kind of like Toney vs Peter (Which turned out to be the second best heavyweight fight of they year after Brewster Liakovich) but even more so because Hopkins as a heavyweight is completely an unknown quantity.
I would love to see this matchup, it's hardly a farce.
As for this quote
At this point, there is a big question mark as to who would be willing to pay this kind of money to see this. Maskaev, although a champion, isn’t well known by many people outside of the boxing world. I, for one, wouldn't pay a dime to see this spectacle. In fact, they'd have to pay me to watch it.
What an idiot, this fight would be huge!
And then to end with well why doesn't he just take on Klitschko ???
He's never fought at heavyweight before, ever. Why would he or should he choosde to go in with unquestionably the best fighter in the division in his first fight.
F****** hell Hatton found that stepping up 7 lbs to fight the weakest champion at 147 was nearly a bridge too far, and this asshole thinks Hopkins should move up 25 lbs and face the equivialent of Margarito in his first fight.
Sorry Miles but this article was written by a grade A imbecile!
was just about to go bang in to 1 about how poor i thought the article was n how i couldnt disagree more about everything that was written. i dont normally bother with all them CC things but f*ck it you can have 3 cos u said everything i wanted to and saved me asking miles if he was on drugs wen he put this article on here
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
jus gave ya 1 CC bilbo .will have to wait 4 the others as it wont let me do em now
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
If Hopkins is going to fight someone he should go for Calzaghe or even Kessler.
Maskaev is tough and Wlad is DANGEROUS so no I don't want B-Hop to unretire. as much as I dislike him I do respect him and the way he's going out right now is good
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lyle
If Hopkins is going to fight someone he should go for Calzaghe or even Kessler.
Maskaev is tough and Wlad is DANGEROUS so no I don't want B-Hop to unretire. as much as I dislike him I do respect him and the way he's going out right now is good
I think at this stage its about history and legacy for B-hop . Winning the WBC heavyweight title would do more for his legacy at this stage but I agree if hes after a challenge then look no further than Joe Calzaghe . The Welshman wouldnt stand off like Tarver did . Hed be swarming him all night with blistering combinations and then we'd see what Bernard has left when he isnt allowed to fight at his own pace .
As for the Maskaev fight , Roy Jones showd that size doesnt matter , its class that matters and Bernard has far more class than the Russian . So much infact I think it would be another shut out . It wouldnt be a great spectacle but it would be a fitting end to a great career for Nard to execute a pefect gameplan and become champ in his last fight
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Quote:
Originally Posted by warreng
Quote:
Originally Posted by bilbo
Where the F*** do you find these idiotic articles Miles?
Hopkins looked bloated and lethargic against Tarver ???
His body was possibly one of the best and most chisseled I've ever seen. He looked absolutely F****** awesome, a point not lost on Jim Lampley who said during Hopks entrance, 'Just wait until you see Hopkins 175 lb body, it's awesome!'
As for him looking lethargic, maybe this poster is just confused. Just let me clarify the one with the milkdud head, flabby tits whose punches appeard to be travelling through water was TARVER. Hopkins was the other one :P
he then contradicts himself completely and utterly by firstly saying that Hopkins will be taking a huge risk fighting Maskaev who would hit him harder than he has ever been hit.
He counters this by saying that Hopkins has the skills to beat Maskeav and then calls the fight a farce ???
If Maskaev hits harder than anyone Hopkins has ever faced, plus he outweighs him by 35 lbs, but Hopkins has the better boxing ability and could outbox Maskaev if he can avoid his punches I'd say that makes for a really intriguing 50/50 fight, kind of like Toney vs Peter (Which turned out to be the second best heavyweight fight of they year after Brewster Liakovich) but even more so because Hopkins as a heavyweight is completely an unknown quantity.
I would love to see this matchup, it's hardly a farce.
As for this quote
At this point, there is a big question mark as to who would be willing to pay this kind of money to see this. Maskaev, although a champion, isn’t well known by many people outside of the boxing world. I, for one, wouldn't pay a dime to see this spectacle. In fact, they'd have to pay me to watch it.
What an idiot, this fight would be huge!
And then to end with well why doesn't he just take on Klitschko ???
He's never fought at heavyweight before, ever. Why would he or should he choosde to go in with unquestionably the best fighter in the division in his first fight.
F****** hell Hatton found that stepping up 7 lbs to fight the weakest champion at 147 was nearly a bridge too far, and this asshole thinks Hopkins should move up 25 lbs and face the equivialent of Margarito in his first fight.
Sorry Miles but this article was written by a grade A imbecile!
was just about to go bang in to 1 about how poor i thought the article was n how i couldnt disagree more about everything that was written. i dont normally bother with all them CC things but f*ck it you can have 3 cos u said everything i wanted to and saved me asking miles if he was on drugs wen he put this article on here
I put the article out there, and an article is there to create a response.....my medication is besides the point here!! An article is just an opinion and we can all have them. Its just that at the time it seemed like a good idea to post this. As I say my medication is besides the point. We are all entitled to medical services. ;D
Lets face it, I want Hopkins to stay retired because he has done all that needs to be done. He is a legend. No questions asked.
But lets face it, this is B Hop. B Hop will do as Bhop will. In other words if he wants to come back then he will. Now if Hopkins is serious about coming back then Maskaev would be a great opponent for him to try and beat but lets face it. Who is Maskaev? He has beaten a very inconsistent Rahman twice and an old McCall. He has 5 losses to his name against who exactly and to be honest has been padding his record with cattle feed prior to the latest Rahman bout. B Hop would be at a huge natural disadvantage but he would be fighting a man with limited skills and a man in lesser shape than B Hop himself. B Hop has a realistic chance of boxing his way to a UD against Maskaev....
At the Barrera fight this weekend Hopkins did look even beefier than ive seen him and this is in retirement. It wouldnt be beyond the imagination to see this comeback idea coming off.
Im feeling lucid here, folks! ;)
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
hopkins can choose who he likes. if he wants to fight maskaev then let him. he doesnt have to fight wlad and you saying that no one would want to see it. when it comes to hopkins most people do. hopkins did not look fat in the tarver fight. he looked better than tarver!!.
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Hopkins please stay retired you done your part for the sport and are already a true great! However if he takes this fight i will be very excited.
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Quote:
Originally Posted by cockey cockney
Hopkins please stay retired you done your part for the sport and are already a true great! However if he takes this fight i will be very excited.
My sentiments exactly
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Bilbo I was thinking exactly the same thing as you in your post above. B-Hop looked crazy good against Tarver! I don't know who could have beaten him that night.
Re: Hopkins wants Maskaev....Heck why not Wlad??
Quote:
Originally Posted by boozeboxer
Bilbo I was thinking exactly the same thing as you in your post above. B-Hop looked crazy good against Tarver! I don't know who could have beaten him that night.
i totally agree with both you guys. hopkins looked unbeatable against tarver
