Quote Originally Posted by rjj tszyu View Post
Quote Originally Posted by jahmez View Post
Definately agree with Jimboogie, Hopkins really stepped up in class. I know alot of people have been talking down the Jones rematch and I'll admit it won't be the greatest benchmark but to see how effective Hopkins counters this time around alone is peaking my interest.
Hopkins was better at 28 than he is now. He was just in with the greatest boxer of his time who made it hard to counter. James Toney was probably the best counter puncher in the sport when he fought Jones, but he couldn't get anything off either!

As for most improved especially in the last 12 months although I hate to say it Amir Khan!
Disagree, Hopkins was would you believe it a puncher at that time, like Calzaghe I feel he reached his peak in his mid-30s. I would've loved to see a rematch in 2001/02. Toney may or may not have been the best counterpuncher in boxing, but he was certainly starting his career as the best fast-food customer in the sport.

I'd say Pacquiao, Hopkins, Cotto, Hasegawa & Adamek are the most obvious current ones for substantial improvement from their first title-winning days.