At his age, is it realistic to move down 2 weight divisions ? no. so that means SMW. the champions are:
Ward -unlikely for many reasons, Friends , not marketable, Ward's contractual issues, etc.
Dirrell - Maybe, but is it a big enough fight for people to be interested in?
Froch - Bingo! Froch wants a last fight in Vegas - Tick! More kudos than the Chavez fight, even after the weekend - Tick! Froch will believe he can win - Tick! Froch will be fighting a legend and his "Legacy" benefits if he wins. Tick!
from the other side: enough money to make it Worth Hopkins' time. Tick! Froch's Style made for Hopkins. Tick! Hopkins will believe he can win. Tick! Hopkins will become a household name in the UK to even non-boxing fans. Tick!
This is a very makeable fight. the only drawback is will Froch have the balls to risk his cherished "legacy" against a 50 year old that Calzaghe beat 7 or 8 years ago? and when I say "have the balls", I mean mentally , his courage and punch resistance is without question .
This is a better and more meaningful fight than Chavez and if Froch is to fight again, this is the one, but what I would say to Froch is "Be careful what you wish for!"
IMO , HOPKINS WINS ON POINTS! in a similar way to how Ward beat Froch.