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.
Hopkins makes it rough, awkward, creates awkward situations for Leonard, rushing in and smothering Leonard and bullying him.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 ..
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.