Quote Originally Posted by ruthless rocco View Post
Roy didn't cheat to win.

He didn't pretend to be hurt to gain an advantage.

He didn't foul blatantly when the ref was out of view.

He didn't need to.

His reflexes and natural athletic abilities were all he needed to beat anyone when he was young. As he got older these natural abilities started to slip and he lost his luster.
Although I believe you are exaggerating about Hopkins, I also believe that you are touching on a possible answer to the question being posed. Hopkins was not born with all of that "natural" ability and learned his craft in the school of hard knocks. He's as much a modern day James Scott as he is a 21st century Archie Moore. And therein lies the difference imo. And its not just the physical difference. Hops style is built for longevity, Roys was not. But just as strongly imo is what rests above the shoulders. Hops attitude which was gained from his past is just as resilient as his skills.

And ftr fighters have been taking advantage of where the ref is forever. Many of Hops shots that are called cheap are actually smart. He had the anticipation of the break down to a science and rode the line on "protect yourself at all times." I dont think he's near the dirty fighter that he is accused of being. The same ring generalship and study he uses against fighters he also uses with the refs.