Bernard Hopkins vs Joe Calzaghe I and result of a hypothetical rematch

[Althugz]

I know people will disagree with this, but I genuinely and objectively believe that Calzaghe was more past his best in that fight than Hopkins was. He was there for the taking imo. Going down to those 2 punches (Hopkins & RJJ) would not have happened a couple of years earlier. I saw him interviewed shortly after he retired and he said he retired becuase he was had nothing left and he was going to lose.

BigH what makes you say JC was past his best? Let's put JCs CV to one side because we'll never agree there...but what fights can you tell me that JC had been in that meant JC was more past his best than Hopkins was? Hopkins too hadn't really been in any grueling fights so that only leaves age as the determining factor, right?

Also I and probably a few others believe that the first round KDs probably would have still stood in JCs prime (which he was close to anyway imo)..Roy Jones was a joke in that fight and I truly believe even old ass Jones could have taken JC out in that round if he wanted instead of clowning..JC was HURT. Anyway prime Roy tears JC a new hole. My favourite argument of all time is the one that JC would have stood a chance.

[BIG H]

I know people will disagree with this, but I genuinely and objectively believe that Calzaghe was more past his best in that fight than Hopkins was. He was there for the taking imo. Going down to those 2 punches (Hopkins & RJJ) would not have happened a couple of years earlier. I saw him interviewed shortly after he retired and he said he retired becuase he was had nothing left and he was going to lose.

BigH what makes you say JC was past his best? Let's put JCs CV to one side because we'll never agree there...but what fights can you tell me that JC had been in that meant JC was more past his best than Hopkins was? Hopkins too hadn't really been in any grueling fights so that only leaves age as the determining factor, right?

Also I and probably a few others believe that the first round KDs probably would have still stood in JCs prime (which he was close to anyway imo)..Roy Jones was a joke in that fight and I truly believe even old ass Jones could have taken JC out in that round if he wanted instead of clowning..JC was HURT. Anyway prime Roy tears JC a new hole. My favourite argument of all time is the one that JC would have stood a chance.

I don't think JC was 'past his best' becuase of age or been in wars (which he wasn't) I just think he got old quickly as some fighters do and there is often no reason. He had a long amateur career, 11 years as undefeated champion as a pro, I think his last 2 fights were just paydays and he had very little desire left.