all the John Ruiz like grabbing, holding, wrestling, hugging etc. and the fake low blows which were also very Ruiz like. Hopkins should be ashamed of himself. Factor in his stupid pre fight comments and he disgraced the sport. I have no interest in watching him fight ever again.
STFU:good He didnt disgrace the sport in any means. He lost a close fight. Sure he never feels like he loses and thats a testament to his skill level. Both men fought well, the fight was good for the sport:yep
Yeah he lost a close...debated decision that could have honestly went to either deserving man...at 43 to one of the best in the sport. Oh yeah...disgraceful...he should hang his head in shame.
Good post! These two veteran masterboxers gave it their all and made for a great back and forth exciting battle. I was on the edge of my seat the entire fight. Both men should be proud of their display of all-round boxing excellence. Hopkins crafty defence and wicked, well-timed counterpunches and Joe's great handspeed and conditioning were a sight to see. People will be talking about this fight for ages. Just because a fight is ugly at times doesn't mean it lacks excitement or the elements of greatness. This fight was so much more entertaining than the Oscar/Floyd borefest.
I appreciated Hopkins' counterpunching skills, but the ref had to break up way too many clinches. Hopkins truly put on a Ruiz-esque performance in that regard. Hopkins deserved the loss.
Hopkins should retire now. that fight was as easy as pie for him and he chose to run and grab. slappy could not hurt Bhop whatsoever.
It seems odd to now complain about Hopkin's tactics. Wasn't it pretty obvious going into this fight that this is what Bernard was going to do. Even the die hard Hopkins fans were saying this was his key to victory. What did people expect.