Hopkins is great; Hagler is greater, in my opinion. I don't think there's a lot in it, depending on how you want to qualitatively measure certain factors. But, for me, Hagler's long road to what became an undisputed domination and, in the main, brutalization of the Middleweight division, makes him one of the greatest champions of all time. Hopkins has justifiably earned his kudos, as a phenomenon - of both physical longevity and technical prowess. His Middleweight record is more than solid enough to consider him a Top-10 ATG Middleweight. His ability to move up divisions and outwit younger guns has garnered him an almost 'Master Po' (to Caine's Grasshopper) aura. It is this period of his career, which seems to bring him into the debate. Therefore, much depends on how highly one rates Hopkins' run at Light Heavyweight. I found the twilight of Hopkins' career to be more interesting than the larger part of his prime years and, whilst his latter efforts at Light Heavyweight did afford him a stage on which he could demonstrate his considerable skills, I am not sure it is enough to carry him past Hagler in the 'Greatness' stakes.
