I think we're being a bit unfair to Hopkins.
He employed dirty tactics, poor sportsmanship and questionable strategy, but in doing so he made the most out of an aged 43 year old body and gave Joe a terrific struggle and a scrappy fight.

The fight was not a case of "what Calzaghe did wrong." It was a case of what Bernard did right.
And what Hopkins did, was drag Joe out of his comfort zonee, negate his counter punching ability and reflexes and drag him into a messy fight.
In turn, Joe coped reasonably well with a "great effort" from Hopkins and dealt out just enugh to be awarded the fight.

It was a split decision, but the judge that awarded the fight to Hopkins scored it 114-113.
Subtract the knockdown and thats a draw.
Joe did well. Obviously better than Tarver and Winky.
They are not ordinary fighters and neither is Joe.