Prime Hopkins vs Leonard (Hagler) | MW

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fabiandios, Oct 12, 2025 at 6:48 AM.


Prime Hopkins vs Leonard (Hagler) | MW

  1. BHop

    9 vote(s)
    64.3%
  2. SRL

    5 vote(s)
    35.7%
  3. Draw

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. META5

    META5 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Similar at times to B-Hop Vs Roy in their first fight at times, due to styles but SRL is much more 'correct' than Roy and unfortunately, this, amongst others, are one of the reasons why I think B-Hop should be favoured.

    He's bigger, he's stronger, he's a good enough ring general and dirty enough to keep the fight at the pace and range that he wants to.

    Leonard puts up an admirable effort but at some point, the natural size difference, Hop's wileyness and ability to take away his opponent's best assets should have an effect.
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2025 at 1:45 AM
  2. Devon

    Devon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hopkins makes it rough, awkward, creates awkward situations for Leonard, rushing in and smothering Leonard and bullying him.
     
    JohnThomas1 likes this.
  3. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Leonard from the Hagler fight was past it and not in his natural weight class. I dont see that version of Ray seeing a successful outcome here. Not at all.
     
    Mike Cannon likes this.
  4. THE BLADE 2

    THE BLADE 2 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Leonard wins on points. Hopkins resume at 160 is not great. I think Leonard would do a better than Delahoya and win a close one.
     
  5. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Leaning Leonard but not with great conviction. Ray's speed would be problematic for Hopkins I think.
     
    Journeyman92 and wutang like this.
  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    I think all the very elite middles post 1970 would beat Leonard prime for prime. More of a mixed bag when you travel back because the size difference is diminished. Leonard is 5'9. Hopkins is 6'1. Mean reach advantage to go with it. Leonard doesn't have the power to make any speed difference count. Bullied, beat up, mole-sted on the inside and has a very unpleasant 10, 11 and 12.
     
    Journeyman92 and slash like this.
  7. slash

    slash Boxing Addict Full Member

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  8. THE BLADE 2

    THE BLADE 2 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    was not Leonard 5'10?
     
  9. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    :lol: yeah maybe
     
  10. MarkusFlorez99

    MarkusFlorez99 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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  11. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Mauling Mormon’s Full Member

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    WHAT - no way IMO my SA friend, Leonard is a real Welterweight and Hopkins is a very disciplined LHW, I think there is some separation in there skills with Leonard being better but Hopkins was a super good pro. How do you see the fight playing out?
     
  12. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    Jul 15, 2008
    Hopkins was too much at 160 and coins an ugly close decision although we never saw a prime Ray at 160 ... P4P Ray much better then the cagey , crafty but overrated and boring Hopkins ..
     
  13. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Exactly. Hopkins decision and pulling away at the end.
     
    Devon likes this.
  14. zadfrak

    zadfrak Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I like Ray to win a close disputed type decision.

    He knows how to steal rounds. Shoeshines his way a few times every round and the judges seem to love shoeshining. And it's a follow the money fight & the money & networks are behind the sugar man a lot more than they are with Hopkins.