How has Hopkins been able to perform at such a high level for so long?

**Spicoli** · 01-08-2008 11:02 PM

Hopkins is mentally one of the hardest guys there has been in years.Disipline and refined study of self , past and current fighters skills and careers.He soaks that s!!! up like a sponge.Love him or hate him you cannot deny his dedication and superb solid technical skills
In a twisted way his lack of concern and regard for pleasing others has probally added years to his career.Ego and O.C.D also

**uwey** · 01-09-2008 04:50 AM

Bernard does things at his OWN PACE. To beat him you must take him off of his Pace. Easier said than done. He studies his opponents and master their weakness at a degree where it may not be pretty but effective. The master of winning his way because he knows if he fought the way people wanted him to fight he would not be successful. He wins his way, point blank. Mastered the art of winning. May be ugly, But better to WIN ugly then to lose PETTY.

**Kel** · 01-09-2008 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by uwey

Bernard does things at his OWN PACE. To beat him you must take him off of his Pace. Easier said than done. He studies his opponents and master their weakness at a degree where it may not be pretty but effective. The master of winning his way because he knows if he fought the way people wanted him to fight he would not be successful. He wins his way, point blank. Mastered the art of winning. May be ugly, But better to WIN ugly then to lose PETTY.

Thats why Joe will run his arse into the ground...........he will make him work!

**Trainer Monkey** · 01-09-2008 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Kel

Originally Posted by uwey

Bernard does things at his OWN PACE. To beat him you must take him off of his Pace. Easier said than done. He studies his opponents and master their weakness at a degree where it may not be pretty but effective. The master of winning his way because he knows if he fought the way people wanted him to fight he would not be successful. He wins his way, point blank. Mastered the art of winning. May be ugly, But better to WIN ugly then to lose PETTY.

Thats why Joe will run his a*** into the ground...........he will make him work!

Echols and Trinidad and Joppy were supposed to do that as well

**albsur2006** · 01-09-2008 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Trainer Monkey

Originally Posted by Kel

Originally Posted by uwey

Bernard does things at his OWN PACE. To beat him you must take him off of his Pace. Easier said than done. He studies his opponents and master their weakness at a degree where it may not be pretty but effective. The master of winning his way because he knows if he fought the way people wanted him to fight he would not be successful. He wins his way, point blank. Mastered the art of winning. May be ugly, But better to WIN ugly then to lose PETTY.

Thats why Joe will run his a*** into the ground...........he will make him work!

Echols and Trinidad and Joppy were supposed to do that as well

What the hell?!?! Did you just compare Echols, a blown up Trinidad at 160, and Joppy to JoeCal?!?! Wow.

**donnydarkoIRL** · 01-09-2008 03:00 PM

Hopkins practised a professional life both inside and outside of the ring. In sharp contrast to some of the more popular fighters of modern times (Duran, Morales, Hatton,) he tends to his body as an implement that is essential for his work and as such must be cared for and serviced to ensure it's longevity.
He is a guy who's training is entirely technical (because he's always in shape he never needs to get fit) This maintenance is less hard on the body than short periods of high intensity training used by other boxers.

Supplementary he restricts his diet and is constantly mindful of the effects of his actions on his fighting. Finally the solid defence he has developed has prevented damage.
All in all it's down to sheer will and intelligence.

**BoomBoom** · 01-09-2008 03:27 PM

He stays in shape even when hes not fighting and he lives right. That alone makes a huge difference. Hes also made adjustments with his age.

**Taeth** · 01-10-2008 07:26 AM

Like everyone else said, he has always stayed in top shape, healthy diet, helps retain the most out of what you already have. Also as he's slowed down he has made himself more awkward for opponents, and he has adapted. Another thing has helped is that for a long time he didn't have a whole lot of good competition so he wasn't put through as many wars as other people we have seen. All that aside he is a great athlete who instead of relying on his ability decided to make the most out of it, I forgot another thing he had was a great chin which also helps.