Will The Executioner Be Executed?

hellblazer · 07-05-2007, 03:52 AM

Will The Executioner Be Executed?
By Eric Marks (July 4, 2007)
Ah yes, Bernard Hopkins, the story we love to hear: the guy who was put in jail at 17 for armed robbery- learning to fight while imprisoned, the non-smoker and non-drinker who’s work ethic appears to exceed all other fighters, and the guy who at 42 years young will officially come out of retirement on July 21st to fight the crafty, ultra-talented Winky Wright. The only question is would Bernard’s late mother forgive him for breaking his promise to her that fighting would cease at age 40? Given what is on the horizon for Bernard, I think she would.

Outside of Rocky Balboa, Philadelphia’s favorite son will try to do what so many other fighters have attempted and failed to do, namely mount a successful boxing comeback past their prime. Hopkins has been warned against this course of action, but given he and Sylvester Stallone performed so well in their last fights against ‘Magic Man’ Antonio Tarver, otherwise know as ‘Mason The Line Dixon’ from his fight with Sly in the latest Rocky film, why hang up the gloves now?

To answer the questioned posed in the article title, the Jerry Rice of boxing will not be sent to the guillotine. Bernard’s likely fights in his comeback will be Winky Wright, Joe Calzaghe, and/or the guy who refuses to quit tarnishing him image, namely the illusionary Mr. Roy Jones Jr. himself. Hopkins should fare well in all these fights, ensuring at the very least that he does not suffer Holyfied/Tyson/Roy Jones syndrome—for those who are unaware of this ailment, it is simply a condition that affects the cognition of a fighter by convincing a boxer he is better than he really is and has unlimited fights left in him.

Bernard is bigger than his likely three potential foes in his comeback. Winky can’t punch…so even if Wright does outpoint Hopkins in a close decision, the fight should be highly competitive and a close decision loss to one of the pound for pound best would not hurt Hopkins badly. Joe Calzaghe, while compiling an impressive winning streak has not fought any big names or anyone comparable to Hopkins skill level. It is quite doubtful that Calzaghe could make Bernard look bad the way Kevin McBride made Tyson quit or Antonio Tarver knocked out Roy Jones Jr. That being said, it is hard to predict exactly how a fight with Calzaghe would unfold making it an intriguing encounter.

And lastly, we come to Mr. Jones himself, a guy that deserves his own paragraph. Not sure how many fans are interested in a rematch between Jones and Hopkins, one that should have occurred, ah, say 6- 10 years ago. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that this Roy Jones is not the one we enjoyed watching when he was in his prime and the danger he poses to Hopkins is slim to none. Additionally, there is the distinct possibility that Mr. “He’s Back,” (referring of course to the title of Jones July 14th fight with young undefeated light heavyweight Tony Hanshaw) will soon be Mr. “He’s on his Back” after his nex fight, ruining a potential fight with Hopkins.

Therefore, Bernard appears to be in minimal danger of aging overnight given his likely comeback opponents. Even a possible third fight against Jermain Taylor at light heavyweight will probably not stain Hopkins image, given the closeness of their first two fights and Taylor’s recent struggles.

We can therefore conclude that this ageless wonder of a fighter will continue to impress (at least not embarrass) us and maintain his status as ‘The Executioner’ rather than adopt a newly crowned title as ‘The Executed.’ I’m sure his mother is looking down from above with a deep satisfaction, sense of pride, and forgiveness of a broken promise. And so we shall embrace his comeback... Long live ‘The Executioner’.

your final predictions? Winky vs Hopkins

DanePugilist · 07-05-2007, 04:06 AM

He will not be executed, since Winky is featherfisted, but I think he will lose nonetheless.

beatdown · 07-05-2007, 04:08 AM

Your title is cliche around here...

thunder06 · 07-05-2007, 04:12 AM

hopkins UD23

justaboxingfan · 07-05-2007, 06:56 AM

This will be a rather tactical fight, with Hopkins slowly trying to break down Wright while he counters Bernard all night. I am leaning towards a close Hopkins victory mainly because he will be the aggressor.

Beatboxer · 07-05-2007, 07:26 AM

Well he will lose

but will not be knocked out

so it depends on what you mean by executed

BewareofDawg · 07-05-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justaboxingfan

This will be a rather tactical fight, with Hopkins slowly trying to break down Wright while he counters Bernard all night. I am leaning towards a close Hopkins victory mainly because he will be the aggressor.

Wrong. Wright will be the aggressor. He will try and outwork and beat Hopkins on activity. Mark my words this will be a rather one-sided victory for Winky.

duran83 · 07-05-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justaboxingfan

This will be a rather tactical fight, with Hopkins slowly trying to break down Wright while he counters Bernard all night. I am leaning towards a close Hopkins victory mainly because he will be the aggressor.

Hopkins will be the aggressor? Can i ask where you come up with that comclusion? Winky comes forward all night long, Winky will be the one making this into a fight, not Hopkins.

justaboxingfan · 07-05-2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duran83

Hopkins will be the aggressor? Can i ask where you come up with that comclusion? Winky comes forward all night long, Winky will be the one making this into a fight, not Hopkins.

Ya, i didn't think it through. Thanks for the correction, it makes more sence now

fatcity · 07-05-2007, 08:58 AM

It's an ugly clash of styles.I trust the undercard will be much more exciting.

Relentless · 07-05-2007, 10:19 AM

no one will be executing anyone on the 23rd

brooklyn1550 · 07-05-2007, 12:38 PM

Neither will be executed...Hopkins by UD

Sheikh · 07-05-2007, 02:35 PM

maybe

SUNOF7 · 07-05-2007, 04:07 PM

I see no way how Wright can beat Hopkins at this weight... Wright will be in for a rude awakening at this weight... he will be hit harder than he has ever been hit and at this weight he may get stopped.

SUNOF7 · 07-05-2007, 04:14 PM

Yes, I hear you but Hopkins in his last bout looked bigger than Tarver who had come down from 200 plus pounds. Hopkins manhandeld a big fighter in Tarver...Winky may get mauled...

07-05-2007, 03:52 AM	#1
hellblazer All-Time Great™ East Side Guru Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: icy undertow Posts: 5,107 vCash: 75	Will The Executioner Be Executed? Will The Executioner Be Executed? By Eric Marks (July 4, 2007) Ah yes, Bernard Hopkins, the story we love to hear: the guy who was put in jail at 17 for armed robbery- learning to fight while imprisoned, the non-smoker and non-drinker who’s work ethic appears to exceed all other fighters, and the guy who at 42 years young will officially come out of retirement on July 21st to fight the crafty, ultra-talented Winky Wright. The only question is would Bernard’s late mother forgive him for breaking his promise to her that fighting would cease at age 40? Given what is on the horizon for Bernard, I think she would. Outside of Rocky Balboa, Philadelphia’s favorite son will try to do what so many other fighters have attempted and failed to do, namely mount a successful boxing comeback past their prime. Hopkins has been warned against this course of action, but given he and Sylvester Stallone performed so well in their last fights against ‘Magic Man’ Antonio Tarver, otherwise know as ‘Mason The Line Dixon’ from his fight with Sly in the latest Rocky film, why hang up the gloves now? To answer the questioned posed in the article title, the Jerry Rice of boxing will not be sent to the guillotine. Bernard’s likely fights in his comeback will be Winky Wright, Joe Calzaghe, and/or the guy who refuses to quit tarnishing him image, namely the illusionary Mr. Roy Jones Jr. himself. Hopkins should fare well in all these fights, ensuring at the very least that he does not suffer Holyfied/Tyson/Roy Jones syndrome—for those who are unaware of this ailment, it is simply a condition that affects the cognition of a fighter by convincing a boxer he is better than he really is and has unlimited fights left in him. Bernard is bigger than his likely three potential foes in his comeback. Winky can’t punch…so even if Wright does outpoint Hopkins in a close decision, the fight should be highly competitive and a close decision loss to one of the pound for pound best would not hurt Hopkins badly. Joe Calzaghe, while compiling an impressive winning streak has not fought any big names or anyone comparable to Hopkins skill level. It is quite doubtful that Calzaghe could make Bernard look bad the way Kevin McBride made Tyson quit or Antonio Tarver knocked out Roy Jones Jr. That being said, it is hard to predict exactly how a fight with Calzaghe would unfold making it an intriguing encounter. And lastly, we come to Mr. Jones himself, a guy that deserves his own paragraph. Not sure how many fans are interested in a rematch between Jones and Hopkins, one that should have occurred, ah, say 6- 10 years ago. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that this Roy Jones is not the one we enjoyed watching when he was in his prime and the danger he poses to Hopkins is slim to none. Additionally, there is the distinct possibility that Mr. “He’s Back,” (referring of course to the title of Jones July 14th fight with young undefeated light heavyweight Tony Hanshaw) will soon be Mr. “He’s on his Back” after his nex fight, ruining a potential fight with Hopkins. Therefore, Bernard appears to be in minimal danger of aging overnight given his likely comeback opponents. Even a possible third fight against Jermain Taylor at light heavyweight will probably not stain Hopkins image, given the closeness of their first two fights and Taylor’s recent struggles. We can therefore conclude that this ageless wonder of a fighter will continue to impress (at least not embarrass) us and maintain his status as ‘The Executioner’ rather than adopt a newly crowned title as ‘The Executed.’ I’m sure his mother is looking down from above with a deep satisfaction, sense of pride, and forgiveness of a broken promise. And so we shall embrace his comeback... Long live ‘The Executioner’. your final predictions? Winky vs Hopkins
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07-05-2007, 04:06 AM	#2
DanePugilist God vs God - Death Angel ESB Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3,610 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? He will not be executed, since Winky is featherfisted, but I think he will lose nonetheless.
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07-05-2007, 04:08 AM	#3
beatdown Infidel ESB Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils Posts: 2,085 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? Your title is cliche around here...
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07-05-2007, 04:12 AM	#4
thunder06 Belt holder ESB Addict Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,369 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? hopkins UD23
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07-05-2007, 06:56 AM	#5
justaboxingfan Journeyman ESB Jr Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 198 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? This will be a rather tactical fight, with Hopkins slowly trying to break down Wright while he counters Bernard all night. I am leaning towards a close Hopkins victory mainly because he will be the aggressor.
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07-05-2007, 07:26 AM	#6
Beatboxer Champion East Side Guru Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 7,722 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? Well he will lose but will not be knocked out so it depends on what you mean by executed
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07-05-2007, 08:58 AM	#10
fatcity P4P King East Side VIP Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Battery Park Posts: 15,200 vCash: 1080	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? It's an ugly clash of styles.I trust the undercard will be much more exciting. Last edited by sam428; 02-16-2006 at 09:31 PM.
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07-05-2007, 10:19 AM	#11
Relentless ESB Junkie East Side VIP Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: East London Posts: 48,827 vCash: 1900	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? no one will be executing anyone on the 23rd
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07-05-2007, 12:38 PM	#12
brooklyn1550 Roberto Duran East Side VIP Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 12,401 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? Neither will be executed...Hopkins by UD
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07-05-2007, 02:35 PM	#13
Sheikh Contender ESB Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 878 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? maybe
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07-05-2007, 04:07 PM	#14
SUNOF7 newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 42 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? I see no way how Wright can beat Hopkins at this weight... Wright will be in for a rude awakening at this weight... he will be hit harder than he has ever been hit and at this weight he may get stopped.
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07-05-2007, 04:14 PM	#15
SUNOF7 newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 42 vCash: 1000	Re: Will The Executioner Be Executed? Yes, I hear you but Hopkins in his last bout looked bigger than Tarver who had come down from 200 plus pounds. Hopkins manhandeld a big fighter in Tarver...Winky may get mauled...
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