I would guess people tend to put BHop on a pedestal simply because it's hard to watch someone who was immensely skilled ,and when matched correctly could put on some exciting performances, decline to the degree he has. Every now and again he pulls a rabbit out of the hat and when he doesn't he's the master of the close decision loss.
He's 45...why do people forget that? And if you were truly a fan then why did you give up on him after a few bad fights in his 40's? Do you see me giving up being a Jones fan just because he got ko'd by Green of all people? Noooooo, I'm still a fan. I know Hopkins has more in the tank than Jones but lets be honest he's not the same man who fought Tarver. He's declined a little since then. TBH, we don't know by how much because of his cleverness. Boxing isn't always easy on the eyes and EVERYONE looks to gain an advantage whether it be in or out of the rulebook.
Im aware of his age ..No need to harp on that ..I just felt considering Hopkins background and where he came from he was better than what he pulled in the Jones Calzaghe fights but it doesn't stop me from watching him ..I just felt it hurt his legacy consideing who he is ..I mean his nic name is the Executioner do you really want to see him crying foul considering he 's the king of being dirty ?
Don't get me wrong I give him respect for the Pavlik fight but his performance against arguably "the man" at a new division was better imo. I think Tarver was about to cry sometimes lol. People need to understand yes he's one of a kind and is an inspiration to older guys(like me) to get in the sport but he's in his 40's and that will show sometimes. Even his craftiness can negate all the effects of aging.
Of course it affects his legacy but people forget that aging shows even for people like Hopkins. Do you really think he has the stamina he once did? If he wants to take breathers I can't blame him as he gets more aggressive but really take in what I said. I still don't think you were ever a fan of his if you're so surprised of his antics, you act like they're new and I don't know why people act like they are? If you hate them so much then watch Vintage Hopkins he was more aggressive overall. Don't watch any of his recent fights if his antics bother you so much. Me, for example, I never will watch another new RJJ fight I'll just watch him when he was Super but not ignore what condition he is in now.
There are plenty of ways to take a breather than to fake a low blow and Hopkins is experienced enough to know how too ..Like I said it just left a bad taste considering who he is ..And I know he can't fight like he use too eventually his age will catch up to him but in the Jones fight there was really no excuse considering the amount of dirty tactics he also took part in ..You didn't see Jones acting like that and he's much more gone than Bhops ..
Hey either way part me will still support Hopkins in this one ..But I can agree with what you said about Jones ..
Cool. No hard feelings I just wanted to show you where I was coming from bro. I see Pascal winning and this time I'll be surprised if Hopkins pulls off a flawless performance.
All good brotha :good Personally I think Hopkins will out class him ..Too many technical flaws in Jean's game for him not to expose him ..But can't wait for it just sucks that it will be on PPV ..
If this were '06 I think Hopkins would kill him but I don't see Hopkins outclassing him being the most likely outcome. Personally, I think it'll be an ugly fight one that I will stay far,far away from unless people on here start calling it a "masterclass" for Hopkins. I just think their style's will be unbearable to watch meshed together but I hope to be wrong.