Does anybody think Hopkins can beat Calzaghe?

[The Rookie Fan]

I think passed opponents is meaningless at this point. It is obvious that both guys are highly skilled, well experienced champions. I don't like to make a pick on this one because I just have not seen that much of Calzaghe. He might be better than many of us give him credit for as some of his fans keep telling us.

Hopkins, though, is defenatelly on his last legs. I don't know how long he can keep this up but I'm sure it won't be for more than 1 or 2 fights. Though he beat Wright, that was a slow paced fight. Calzaghe might take Hopkins into a pace he has not been in for some time. Still, I expect this to be a tough fight for both.

[NUCLEAR BULL]

to me it says alot that bika went on the contender the place where manfredo made his name, lacy and manfredo stank the place out in there fight............. these guys are 3 out of the last 4 fights joes had, it works out 2 tv stars and a limited lacy...... he turned down a fight with roy jones at wales saying there no market value and roys to old.................... but he fights bika and manfredo?? hes done himself no fav's, like i've said before he doesn't deserve to have hopkins name on his record

[shza]

Bernards stature? Has Hopkins fought anyone on Joe's level. I really think not.

You must be joking. His name was Roy Jones Jr. But he was actually above Joe's level. Granted, he also beat Hopkins.

Look, I am convinced that JC is a top 5 p4p fighter. He looked tremendous against Kessler. And, at this stage in Hopkins career, where he's content to throw 10 punches a round and doesn't KO anyone, I favor Joe on workrate alone. But I agree with the people on here who say it's absurd to predict an "easy" win for Joe, or Hopkins getting "dominated" (which, of course, is something that has never happened before). Even this old version of Hopkins is at least 3x as good as anyone Joe's ever fought. Basically, I agree with everything Bilbo already said.

[porkypara]

Bernards stature? Has Hopkins fought anyone on Joe's level. I really think not.

You must be joking. His name was Roy Jones Jr. But he was actually above Joe's level. Granted, he also beat Hopkins.

Look, I am convinced that JC is a top 5 p4p fighter. He looked tremendous against Kessler. And, at this stage in Hopkins career, where he's content to throw 10 punches a round and doesn't KO anyone, I favor Joe on workrate alone. But I agree with the people on here who say it's absurd to predict an "easy" win for Joe, or Hopkins getting "dominated" (which, of course, is something that has never happened before). Even this old version of Hopkins is at least 3x as good as anyone Joe's ever fought. Basically, I agree with everything Bilbo already said.

I really think if this fight does happen and as I said I have my doubts Calzaghe will win a wide points decision.It might be ugly at times coz of Hopkins tactics but style wise its a relative easy fight for Joe.

When was the last time Hopkins faced a boxer with a high work rate?

You could say Trinidad or ODLH but they were both fighters moving up in weight and that was a long time ago.

[NUCLEAR BULL]

hopkins has a chance due to his skill and experience and cagey manner but joes to busy for him he'll throw to many to often and maybe even stop the old man late in the fight if hopkins runs out of gas and joe lands in high numbers............... im a big hopkins fan at the same time a joe disliker

[Wacko3205]

IMO Joe wins this fight easy.

Even in Hopkins prime Calzaghe would have a very good chance at beating him.

The best way to beat a counter puncher is to throw puches in 2 or 3s.But Calzaghe throws them in 5 and 6s.

Hopkins has no chance.

Dont be suprised if Hopkins backs out of this fight last minute.

Hopkins has no chance?

Oh please. That's about gotdam ridiculous.

Joe hasn't fought anyone ANYONE remotely close to Hopkins level...& I am a massive fan of both fighters. Yes...Calzahge is fast. Yes he throws punches in bunches...but Hopkins has mastered the craft...& I mean mastered it.

Joe can be as fast as he wants & throw as much as he wants...but he'll have a hell of a lot harder time connecting on Bernard than any of the youngin's that he's bested over the last three or four years. If you can't look at it with an open mind & see two sides of the same coin...your'e just wasting breath.

Bernard is technically a better fighter & technically...he knows more tricks than Joe.

Joe is awkward & oddly enough a better fighter.

Being the better boxer is what's going to factor into this one.

While I do believe Bernard to be the better boxer...I still think that Calzaghe will most likely be the better fighter. I'd look to see him bully Bernard around more than he ever has been...but I don't see him stopping Hopkins...just outpointing him down the stretch.

Outclassing him...him not having a chance in hell of winning...ridiculous.

You can like Calzaghe & not give him the feminine tug...there's no shame in having an open mind.

[Hulk]

IMO Joe wins this fight easy.

Even in Hopkins prime Calzaghe would have a very good chance at beating him.

The best way to beat a counter puncher is to throw puches in 2 or 3s.But Calzaghe throws them in 5 and 6s.

Hopkins has no chance.

Dont be suprised if Hopkins backs out of this fight last minute.

Hopkins has no chance?

Oh please. That's about gotdam ridiculous.

Joe hasn't fought anyone ANYONE remotely close to Hopkins level...& I am a massive fan of both fighters. Yes...Calzahge is fast. Yes he throws punches in bunches...but Hopkins has mastered the craft...& I mean mastered it.

Joe can be as fast as he wants & throw as much as he wants...but he'll have a hell of a lot harder time connecting on Bernard than any of the youngin's that he's bested over the last three or four years. If you can't look at it with an open mind & see two sides of the same coin...your'e just wasting breath.

Bernard is technically a better fighter & technically...he knows more tricks than Joe.

Joe is awkward & oddly enough a better fighter.

Being the better boxer is what's going to factor into this one.

While I do believe Bernard to be the better boxer...I still think that Calzaghe will most likely be the better fighter. I'd look to see him bully Bernard around more than he ever has been...but I don't see him stopping Hopkins...just outpointing him down the stretch.

Outclassing him...him not having a chance in hell of winning...ridiculous.

You can like Calzaghe & not give him the feminine tug...there's no shame in having an open mind.

CC Wacko. Its bout time you stick up for old B-hop. Even if he is a racist piece of shit. I still love him.

[Wacko3205]

IMO Joe wins this fight easy.

Even in Hopkins prime Calzaghe would have a very good chance at beating him.

The best way to beat a counter puncher is to throw puches in 2 or 3s.But Calzaghe throws them in 5 and 6s.

Hopkins has no chance.

Dont be suprised if Hopkins backs out of this fight last minute.

Hopkins has no chance?

Oh please. That's about gotdam ridiculous.

Joe hasn't fought anyone ANYONE remotely close to Hopkins level...& I am a massive fan of both fighters. Yes...Calzahge is fast. Yes he throws punches in bunches...but Hopkins has mastered the craft...& I mean mastered it.

Joe can be as fast as he wants & throw as much as he wants...but he'll have a hell of a lot harder time connecting on Bernard than any of the youngin's that he's bested over the last three or four years. If you can't look at it with an open mind & see two sides of the same coin...your'e just wasting breath.

Bernard is technically a better fighter & technically...he knows more tricks than Joe.

Joe is awkward & oddly enough a better fighter.

Being the better boxer is what's going to factor into this one.

While I do believe Bernard to be the better boxer...I still think that Calzaghe will most likely be the better fighter. I'd look to see him bully Bernard around more than he ever has been...but I don't see him stopping Hopkins...just outpointing him down the stretch.

Outclassing him...him not having a chance in hell of winning...ridiculous.

You can like Calzaghe & not give him the feminine tug...there's no shame in having an open mind.

CC Wacko. Its bout time you stick up for old B-hop. Even if he is a racist piece of S***. I still love him.

I've always taken up for the Nard...I'm just not a blind nut hugger.

There's a difference in being a "boxing fan" & "being a fan of boxing"...I consider myself both...but more of the later. That being said...more times...nine out of ten...being a "boxing fan" equates to being a bit of a "blind nut hugger". I have often fallen guilty of wearing one of all of those three quotable name tags from time to time & quite often I find myself loathing the wearer...that one being me...depending on witch fight's gracing the small screen.

In my later years of following the game I've become more likely to see both sides of the coin.

If you don't try to do that...you just end up being a blind follower & when your man get's beaten...it's the end of the world for you. Been there...done that.

In the end...I'd favor Hopkins more...if not for the fact that Joe's just so awkward & so accurate & so much faster. There'n lies the factors that bother me most.

[Violent Demise]

Anybody who KNOWS the sport KNOWS Hopkins CAN beat Calzaghe! Wheter he WILL or not is another story! Hopkins is one of the most craftiest players in the game, he's a defensive specialist with GREAT counter-punching skills, and most of all HE'S BEEN BATTLED TESTED! Taking nothing from Joe, he's not considered the favorite in this fight for no reason! But give B-Hop a little more RESPECT for what he can accomplish in the ring! W's and L's count at the end of the day!

And somebody need to let Joe Calzaghe know that Jermain Taylor won't ever get credit for beating B-Hop once! let alone twice! The boys at HBO know the deal!!!

Calzaghe is a GOOD boxer who can fight his a** off! But B-Hop has beaten them type before! You don't become a Legend in this sport without winning when the odds is stacked AGAINST you! Calzaghe can ONLY help B-Hop cement his legacy even more!
If Joe wins, he'll need about 3 more B-Hop caliber fighters on his resume to be REMEMBERED as a BOXING legend instead of a UK GREAT!

Anybody who KNOWS the sport KNOWS Hopkins CAN beat Calzaghe! Wheter he WILL or not is another

And anybody who knows anything about the sport will know Hopkins hasn't looked great in his last few fights. His out put is so low i find it hard to believe he can beat punching machine like Calzaghe, throwing 1 punch at a time.

Hopkins is one of the most craftiest players in the game, he's a defensive specialist with GREAT counter-punching skills, and most of all HE'S BEEN BATTLED TESTED! Taking nothing from Joe, he's not considered the favorite in this fight for no reason! But give B-Hop a little more RESPECT for what he can accomplish in the ring! W's and L's count at the end of the day!

No one is taking anything away from Hopkins people are just being realistic, Hopkins is too old plus there is no way on this earth Hopkins is going to keep up with Calzaghe, so how will Hopkins win ?? he can't KO Calzaghe, he can't out work him, can't out box him, can he make it a rough tough night for Calzaghe ?? yes he can i don't think it will be easy but i really can't see how Hopkins can win.

Calzaghe is a GOOD boxer who can fight his a** off! But B-Hop has beaten them type before!

So Hopkins has beaten a lot of southpaw fighters, who can throw 1000 punches, plus land punches from all angles ??

You guys not givin Bernard enough credit! Joe is a PROBLEM for Bernard! I never said Joe was not good enough! You guys are sayin Bernard is not GOOD enough to even make this a fight! Has Joe ever fought someone close to Bernard's stature?

Bernards stature? Has Hopkins fought anyone on Joe's level. I really think not.

Groupie lust at it's finest. As well as boxing stupidity. Hopkins as fought Roy Jones, Antonio Tarver and Felix Trinidad. Fighters who are better than Calzaghe

[Galaxy]

I think Hopkins can win. This is by no means an easy fight for Calzaghe!

[GAME]

Bernards stature? Has Hopkins fought anyone on Joe's level. I really think not.

You must be joking. His name was Roy Jones Jr. But he was actually above Joe's level. Granted, he also beat Hopkins.

Look, I am convinced that JC is a top 5 p4p fighter. He looked tremendous against Kessler. And, at this stage in Hopkins career, where he's content to throw 10 punches a round and doesn't KO anyone, I favor Joe on workrate alone. But I agree with the people on here who say it's absurd to predict an "easy" win for Joe, or Hopkins getting "dominated" (which, of course, is something that has never happened before). Even this old version of Hopkins is at least 3x as good as anyone Joe's ever fought. Basically, I agree with everything Bilbo already said.

I really think if this fight does happen and as I said I have my doubts Calzaghe will win a wide points decision.It might be ugly at times coz of Hopkins tactics but style wise its a relative easy fight for Joe.

When was the last time Hopkins faced a boxer with a high work rate?

You could say Trinidad or ODLH but they were both fighters moving up in weight and that was a long time ago.

Taylor doesnt particulary fight at a high pace yet he had enough volume to beat Hopkins twice back to back . Hopkins couldnt make the required adjustments and that was vs a guy who cant compare to Joe on any level .

I struggle to se Hopkins win this fight . Hes been beaten at the start middle and end of his career and now aged 42 he meets a supermiddle who throws over 1000 punches ina fight ?! B-Hop should stay at home and protect his rep . He aint winning vs Joe . No way !

[porkypara]

IMO Joe wins this fight easy.

Even in Hopkins prime Calzaghe would have a very good chance at beating him.

The best way to beat a counter puncher is to throw puches in 2 or 3s.But Calzaghe throws them in 5 and 6s.

Hopkins has no chance.

Dont be suprised if Hopkins backs out of this fight last minute.

Hopkins has no chance?

Oh please. That's about gotdam ridiculous.

Joe hasn't fought anyone ANYONE remotely close to Hopkins level...& I am a massive fan of both fighters. Yes...Calzahge is fast. Yes he throws punches in bunches...but Hopkins has mastered the craft...& I mean mastered it.

Joe can be as fast as he wants & throw as much as he wants...but he'll have a hell of a lot harder time connecting on Bernard than any of the youngin's that he's bested over the last three or four years. If you can't look at it with an open mind & see two sides of the same coin...your'e just wasting breath.

Bernard is technically a better fighter & technically...he knows more tricks than Joe.

Joe is awkward & oddly enough a better fighter.

Being the better boxer is what's going to factor into this one.

While I do believe Bernard to be the better boxer...I still think that Calzaghe will most likely be the better fighter. I'd look to see him bully Bernard around more than he ever has been...but I don't see him stopping Hopkins...just outpointing him down the stretch.

Outclassing him...him not having a chance in hell of winning...ridiculous.

You can like Calzaghe & not give him the feminine tug...there's no shame in having an open mind.

Like I have already said Calzaghe will win a wide point decision and it wont be that hard a fight for Joe.Styles make fights.

I will not uter another word on the subject til after the fight then we will see who is right and wrong.

[LBSCFC]

i just think joes workrate will be the deciding factor in this one. i think the styles are a big factor in this fight. I also dont think it makes any difference whether they fight in 2008 or ten years ago. joe wins

[Tins06]

Joe Wins this easy. I hear people talking about B-hop being cagey,and knowing all the tricks.

Dont matter how many tricks you know if your 40+ taking REAL opposition..you will lose.

That Winky fight was such aload of boloxe B-Hop looked shit and Winky was well out of his own weight.