So i don't look like im a b-hop fan trying to stick up for him ill just say this first, im welsh, a big calzaghe fan followed him since i can remember, not a major b-hop fan but have respect for him..

First off, im not 100% certain, but fairly sure hopkins vs Traver was more or less agreed before calzaghe put on that super show against lacy. So back then, even if hopkins thought he could beat calzaghe, the win wouldn't do much for him. IF he got the fight and won people would just say calzaghe was overrated, an old hopkins beat him bla bla you see where i am going with that.

Second off, i think hopkins wants to go out on a fight he has a chance in. At 41, i think both hopkins and his team would know the way calzaghe fights, he wouldn't be like Taylor, easterman and the others hopkins fought; he wouldn't stand off him, imo he would be in his face for every second of every round. I know hop is in amazing shape not just for his age but period, but i don't think he could go 12 rounds with Joe at this point in his career.

Lastly, hopkins being 41, being a middle weight all his life, jumping up to fight in light heavy, well the excuses are already there when he losses. ops sorry i meant 'if' he losses