What a dream match! Hopkins would have outboxed Martinez at 160. Nobody except Roy Jones could beat prime Hopkins at that weight class even though I prefer Martinez's style which was fun to watch.
Martinez speed, unorthodox style and athleticism posed a lot of problems for his contemporaries. But he was no Roy Jones. B-HOPs would have beat him by decision, even in 2012-2013 when he was 46 years old. His experience, boxing IQ and eye combined with concrete solid fundamentals would have made him connect more while not getting hit much. It would have nullified a lot of Martinez attributes. And if things got close, Hopkins could always pull out some tricks and made the fight into a stinker and ride home a narrow decision. EDIT I just saw it was at MW. Hopkins by clear decision or late stoppage then.
I think Martinez pulls the upset, too. He brings a lot to the table Hopkins flat out doesn't like. He may not be Roy, but there's a big difference in speed and athleticism between Sergio and Hopkins nonetheless. The younger, more aggressive Hopkins has a better chance even though the older, more cagey Hopkins at 160 was the better overall fighter.
An extremely awkward unorthodox orthodox Hopkins against a southpaw Martinez I can workout if that would’ve been horrible to watch or fotd candidate?
Huge Maravilla fan but I think Hopkins wins unless Sergio can stay outside and outbox Bhop using his speed and footwork. Martinez also had enough pop to keep Bhop honest. Still not sure its enough.
Hopkins specialized in taking out southpaws bro. It was actually his thing. Also, no-one south of 168 dominates the best Hopkins, Roy Jones didn't even dominate a green Hopkins.