I mean come on, he's almost 45 and had his longest lay-off since 1988. Long lay-offs don't do good for an old body, and it's effects are particularly visible for aging boxers. It's not just the inability to keep up with the youngsters: it's getting punched in the face as a result. So far Hopkins defied aging, but this 14 months are too much to come out without visible ring rust. This is the very reason Hopkins took a tune-up before a biggie, a solid, young, hungry, tough, but one size smaller fighter in Ornelas. So showing up won't be enough, and looking shot is out of question if you wanna keep the dreamatch hopes and public interest alive. But expect some rust, Hopkins forced to work hard, then come out on top, posing some questions of the legitimacy of the dreamatch. Altough by the time Hopkins enters the ring, we'll already know whether KO artist Danny Green spoiled the show.
what?? Jones is fighting before Hopkins?? **** i need to see that fight before the Hopkins fight because the commentators are going to spoil the Jones fight and say who won. I don't see the Jones/Green fight coming on my TV LIVE. Hopefully ******.tv has it or something.
Hopkins is a gym rat though, he is always in the gym even during his time off, so he might not be as rusty as we think.
True. Mayweather (despite picking on an opponent 2/3 weight divisions smaller), appeared to have no ring rust at all after his 18 plus months lay off. Sometimes time away from the ring can do a fighter some good, and I hope this indeed is the case with B-Hop. His work ethic is amazing, he'll look reasonably good this Wednesday, and he'll be a beast by the time he enters the ring against Roy. B-Hop all the way!
^ Yes. It's going to be tape delayed by like 15 hours. I just found out Jones/Green starts at 6:00 a.m. Eastern time!!!! I have to get up early for school anyways so i might get up an hour earlier just to catch it..........probably not tho.
obviously Hopkins is going to spoil the Jones fight in the post fight interview....so i need to catch it before.
BHop is fighting one off his sparring partners. I dont see him being that rusty. Hes never looked rusty in his whole career. Im move nervous about RJJr getting KOd than anything.
Ornelas is a decent fighter kinda of a real tough journeyman or even atop 20 type fighter he is about on the same level as Pavlik next guy Espino. I think this is a safe and winnable fight for even a rusty Hopkinlwith. His fight with Rubio could have gone either way and remember that is who Pavlik defended his title against. I think Hopkins should probably score a mid round stoppage over Andrades little brother.
Visiting the gym and stepping into the ring after a very hard camp are two different things. How rusty will he look is a good question. All I'm saying: expect Hopkins to look rusty.