Quote Originally Posted by BIG H
I know this has been discussed before, but I have just watched Tarver v Hopkins again and Hopkins had so much more energy, movement & endeavour than we saw in his last 2 or 3 years at Middle. His legacy is very slightly tainted by the 2 Taylor defeats, but he was obviously really tight at the weight and suffering to achieve status as a legendary middle weight and get the 20 defences record.

I was just thinking had he have moved up and cleared out the Light Heavy division earlier he would probably have increased his legacy even more than he did by achieving the 20 defences.

He looked like a 25 year old against Tarver - fantastic and obviously his true weight!
Probably not. Hopkins stayed where he was once Toney and Jones had moved up. If he would have had to face prime Toney or Roy Jones his long unbeaten run may very well not have happend.

But he did look fantastic against Tarver. I can't help but feel that he wouldn't do as well against Clinton Woods, Joe Calzaghe or Glen Johnsonn though.