Calzaghe: Give me Hopkins next

[Fenster]

Joe Calzaghe says he'd willingly go to America to fight ring great Bernard Hopkins.

The "Executioner" is currently in retirement at the age of 41 after a sensational career, but has dropped hints that he might return.

The Phildadelphia stylist has said he'd consider coming back for a crack at the world heavyweight title.

But Calzaghe would love to see him come back at a lower weight for a superfight that could cement the Welshman's legacy.

Speaking on new ITV documentary No Average Joe (Thursday October 12 at 2200 BST) he said: "Ideally I would love to fight Bernard Hopkins - he's a true champion. If that was to happen, I would go to America."

"Of course I'd love to fight in America, but if it's right. If it's right for me and I get the right opponent."
http://www.itv-boxing.com/News/Story...584436,00.html

[The Boxer]

the win over lacy was empressives but he can't be hopkins. hopkins would probably have no trouble comming in at 168 either. i still wouldn't mind seeing the fight.

[ICB]

the win over lacy was empressives but he can't be hopkins. hopkins would probably have no trouble comming in at 168 either. i still wouldn't mind seeing the fight.

if fight did happen id favour clazaghe by edge for his sheer workrate i think he would outpoint hopkins by about 7 rounds to 5

[Wacko3205]

I'd really like to see this fight come off...but I think Calzaghe may have a slight edge due to the weight game.

Hopkins has been bulking up for 175 & 200lb fights...it might prove troublesome...then again...this is Bernard Hopkins that wer'e talking about.

It's a pick 'em for me. Tuff call.

[The Boxer]

maybe i'm just blinded but i don't joe landing on hopkin very much.

[ICB]

maybe i'm just blinded but i don't joe landing on hopkin very much.

well he would calzaghe throws alot and hopkins couldnt avoid all them combinations all the time

[Galaxy]

I say Hopkins wins, but if he comes back I'd prefer to see him against Maskaev

[The Boxer]

bernard not just gonna stand there like lacy. he has great work. not only that but bernard has a jab. the jab stops combinations.

[ICB]

bernard not just gonna stand there like lacy. he has great work. not only that but bernard has a jab. the jab stops combinations.

i didnt say he would but calzaghe has decent jab himself and he can outwork hopkins i see close decision to calzaghe for his workrate thats how i see it anyway

[Gandalf]

I'd really like to see this fight come off...but I think Calzaghe may have a slight edge due to the weight game.

Hopkins has been bulking up for 175 & 200lb fights...it might prove troublesome...then again...this is Bernard Hopkins that wer'e talking about.

It's a pick 'em for me. Tuff call.

Honest words from a big B Hop fan

You are honest enough to admit its a pick 'em....fair play, Wacks..

I dont want B Hop to even consider fighting Calzaghe, its not worth it. Im a huge fan of both fighters and to see it would be painful watching. Im not the type who likes to sit on the fence!!

You make pertinent points about Hopkins bulking up. His frame looks huge now compared to say his last fight with Taylor. And for a man in his 40's to be doing things with his body that he's never done before could be a very risky business. Both fighters are coming off huge wins, but Hopkins age and output will definitely be an issue against a fired up Calzaghe. Hopkins is a defensive wiz but I just cant help but feel that that a Calzaghe who is still pretty much in his prime would be too much IMO....there is no way Hopkins is going to keep getting better...If the fight was with the Hopkins and Calzaghe of 5 years ago my opinion would be somewhat different.

But yes, Hopkins is indeed Hopkins and only he could upset the odds again....but I think his time is called. There is no need really.

Hopkins should retire on the high that was beating Tarver. Calzaghe should unify at super middleweight, and then earn a couple of big paydays against others still in the game and still active...

[raleights]

I have a little hunch that says Joe will work his way around that jab and force Hopkins to fight hard all night - then I see the Nard getting very tired and possibly stopped late, but more than likely just losing a UD.

[Gandalf]

I have a little hunch that says Joe will work his way around that jab and force Hopkins to fight hard all night - then I see the Nard getting very tired and possibly stopped late, but more than likely just losing a UD.

Against Taylor Hopkins started slow both times out and if he does that against Calzaghe he will find it even harder to secure those championship rounds...

Calzaghe has way more experience and skill than Taylor, and Hopkins is in his 40's and lets face it beat Tarver, a fighter with known stamina issues in big fights...

Im a huge Hopkins fan, and really retirement seems like the only sensible option...coming back to fight Calzaghe for another one off fight, is too much of a risk IMO...

[ICB]

I have a little hunch that says Joe will work his way around that jab and force Hopkins to fight hard all night - then I see the Nard getting very tired and possibly stopped late, but more than likely just losing a UD.

agreed

[Pugilistic]

i would love to see him fight hopkins but it would be his first defeat if he did

[The Boxer]

who cares if tarver has stamina issues. the only that counts is hopkins doesn't have stamina issues.