When was Hopkins prime?

[imp]

So many versions.

Which one was the best for you?

[Master]

Hopkins was a freak of nature who lost his first bout and then went on an incredible run to become middleweight champion before losing to Roy Jones.

I think after losing to Jones where he became undisputed champion was his peak. Beating Tito Trinidad as the underdog was a masterclass.

The rest jumping up to light heavyweight and beating Tarver, going the distance with Calzaghe, and becoming the oldest champion was Hopkins using his boxing experience more than athleticism.

[Spicoli]

I never realized trying to reflect and sum up Hopkins is quite the fan rollercoaster . One of those multi era fighters who successfully morphed approach and style at the highest levels over years. 95-97 possibly destructive best. Much more up front and closing. Shift on a dime with his feet. He went into a run of just beating guys up and painting them badly over championship round. Holmes, Joppy, Trinidad, Echols etc to maybe 2003. It all changed with Taylor imo. Still think he won the first fight but was trying to be too perfect. Fought a bit content when he had Taylor stepping on curbs that were not there and hurt late. Then he took six whole months off and jumped to 175 proceeding to face the best and rank p4p. All over again.

[TIC]

prime was maybe ninety five to oh four

[Yuzo]

Holmes, Joppy, Trinidad, Echols etc to maybe 2003.

thats when he started stealing the right hand.

[Big J]

Prime around the Trinidad schooling
Hopkins was always elite

[imp]

Pavlik win shocked me at the time.

[Spicoli]

Pavlik win shocked me at the time.

Always weird how that one came on. Pavlik off Taylor wins as champ but was the one maneuvered as Hopkins comeback opponent and had to go up in weight for it. Always liked Pavlik but B Hop used that man as a canvas!