How would things have played out if Hopkins moved up to Super Middleweight before Light Heavyweight?

If he had moved straight to 168, I’m sure he’d have moved up again by the time the Super Six tourney came along 3-4 years later. That would’ve been too much of an undertaking at his advanced age. He was mainly focused on getting the big money fights while he still could.

 

Can you refresh me who were the dominant SMW at the time?

 

He’d have been in the mix with Calzaghe, Lacy and Kessler.

 

He would have beaten Lacy and Kessler, but obviously lost to Calzaghe.

Better for him that he went to LHW.

 

I agree. Calzaghe was always a difficult fight for him because of his workrate and hand speed. He moved to light heavyweight because he wanted Jones and Tarver.

I do think Kessler would have been a tough opponent for him but he wouldn't want that fight because Kessler wasn't a big name with the casual fans like Jones and Tarver. Remember, Tarver had a buzz after beating Jones.