Quote Originally Posted by Dizaster View Post
Respect to Hopkins though.. Apart from the grabbing, which lets face it, has been an intergral part of him being a champion,,, and I have all respect for him as a champion....
90% of the first few rounds, he took all assets away from Calzaghe and had him questioning himself.. He wasn't relaxed or loose or able to find a way to throw any decent punches... Even heading into the fight, Calzaghe never looked himself.. The last 4 or 5 rounds Joe looked better and was able to deal with Hopkins.. But 70% of the time, Hopkins took away most of Joe's assets, and he had to eek out a messy decision that was always going to be close...

He had enough in the tank and arsenal though,,, others wouldn't have come out on top Hopkins..
Hopkins I knew was going to be his toughest fight regardless of age.. Mainly due to his style and ring smarts at smothering another guys work..
I would not have argued to dramatically if Hopkins was given the win,,, but I think over all, Joe was able to show that bit more, and showed he deserved the points more..
Probably not by as much as one of the judges had it, but anyway...

Calzaghe never looked like himself, all credit to Hopkins for that.. But still came out on top of a messy win..

CONGRATS JOE!!!!! Repect to Hopkins for doing what he always does and never making this an easy fight for a single second for Calzaghe.
No doubt and Rep inbound. Respect all around for both,I am a Long term "live" Hopkins fan ...but there was no "Robbery" here IMo, very nip & tuck and close.Lets not loose sight also....There was no walk over By Calzaghe,No Smashing or Knocking the old man out,No 1800 hundred punches etc.He was in depths and forced to solve some questions here and looked lost at times but he did adjust and troop through to win.Solid on both and respect deserved