Hopkins slices and dices up Minter to win a bloody battle in the championship rounds on cuts, although Hopkins would be fairly comfortable ahead at the time of the stoppage. Hopkins TKO14 leading 8-5.... Then of course depending on how classy Minter and his fancy are, he may need to move pretty quick after the stoppage.
I was at the Hagler Minter fight,dodging the plastic bttles with the rest.Minter would not have beaten Hopkins.Minter was a straightup southpaw boxer with a decent punch and an accurate jab ,he had a tendency to cut around the eyes .Minter did not have the all round game to beat Hopkins who could outpoint him or stop him on cuts,imo.
I went to Hagler/Minter too... Although only six, I remember them being more than plastic bottles! It took them six months to redo the Arena after that, and remember it was the first time the Arena had been used since it was done up and changed name from the old Empire Pool. Also went to see Depeche Mode a while back, which was the first show at the new Arena (it is still nothing more than a glorified warehouse though). But back to the boxing, I think you are spot on about a mythical Hopkins/Minter match.
I was only 6 myself ,36 that is .As I remember ,the bottles were half pints plastic ,but full up ,coming down from the upper tiers they were seriously dangerous.I went to the Arena last year ,its ,as you say ,nothing for decor,I recall seeing Henry Cooper v Karl Mildenberger at the old Pool,that's a while ago!
Cooper/Mildenberger eh, was it a deserved dq? Typical 'enry though; puts in a classy performance against the non Yank, but when he had an American in the other corner, he seemingly tried his best to lose. The first Foley fight being the exception to prove the rule of course.
Hopkins wins here, too great really. And McVey and TBooze, you guys were in the presence of real greatness being at this one eh? You guys might have met each other!!
Mildenberger didnt look in top shape and went in with the nut after being shaken by a couple of hooks ,I think he wanted out.Cooper usually made short work of the second string Yanks ,but dissapointed when he met the top fellas a top European but a little lacking at world level ,imo.
The thing I recall about Hagler - Minter was that it was fierce while it lasted. I recall Minter waving Hagler in. Careful what you wish for. I agree Russell that Minter getting cut via headbutts is a serious possibillity. I'll say Hopkins late rount, ugly stoppage.
The old man could sense what was going to happen, virtually everyone could, I suspect we were out of their quicker than Hagler!