Hopkins: A brief synopsis of greatness.
2001. After dominating the middleweight division for years, he meets a guy who I and others said he could not beat. Not only does he beat him but he makes him look foolish in the process. That man, the great Tito Trinidad. Hop was about 36 at the time and thought a little long in the tooth.
2004. Close to 40 he agrees to weigh no heavier then 156 and gives Oscar a shot at his title. I thought it was iffy at the time but after years of revisiting it, Oscar did not take a dive and Hop becomes the undisputed middle weight champion. Joins an elite club.
2005. Age 41. Goes neck and neck with the new HBO poster boy Taylor in two fights in 5 months and does not get the nod in two fights that could have gone either way. I have always contended that if Taylor did enough to get the belts in the first then Hop did enough to reclaim them in the second.
2006. Age 42. Jumps up two weight classes and totally destroys the man at that weight in Tarver and makes him look rather pedestrian.
2008. Age 44. Challenges one of the best fighters in the world in Calzaghe and loses a close decision.
2008. 6 months after Calzaghe, he drops down in weight to meet the next destroyer of worlds in Pavlik and proceeds to destroy his world instead. Hopkins takes the kid to the wood shed and it’s not pretty. The old man gives Pavlik a systematic beat down.
2010. Age 45. Meets the Ring 175 champion on home soil and leaves with a controversial draw.
2011. Age 46. Meets the same man on his turf and clearly beats him to become Ring LH champion.
Just unbelievable and believe me I was never a fan. To do what he has done and taking his age into consideration, he is arguably the best fighter of the last decade ands truly a throw back if ever there was one. Huge respect for this man, this puritan pugilist. I don’t know where this will place him on individual ATG lists but love him or hate him what he has been able to accomplish is pretty astonishing.
Re: Hopkins: A brief synopsis of greatness.
Good post.
Impressive accomplishments for one of the most skilled boxers to ever live. Boxing fans have to be happy they have the chance to see Hopkins fighting. Enjoy every round of boxing from the last great old school boxer as long as he keeps on fighting.
Re: Hopkins: A brief synopsis of greatness.
GREAT post.
The Puritan Pugilist is an amazingly accurate identity for Hopkins. Nicely done.
This guy has surprised me so often (starting with Tito) in the last decade it isn't even funny. I've never been a fan, but geeze there is an awful lot to admire isn't there?
Re: Hopkins: A brief synopsis of greatness.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
marbleheadmaui
GREAT post.
The Puritan Pugilist is an amazingly accurate identity for Hopkins. Nicely done.
This guy has surprised me so often (starting with Tito) in the last decade it isn't even funny. I've never been a fan, but geeze there is an awful lot to admire isn't there?
Their certainly is. I've come around on him. The Tito fight killed me. It was almost as bad for me as watching Leonard ko Tommy in the 14th. I was one of the few guys to pick him against Pavlik at another forum but I never really cheered for the guy except against that walking candy apple Tarver.
And thanks Marble.
