Foster was a beast at 175lbs. I would favor Foster who may get a late stoppage Bernard would be on his bike after tasting Bob's power in an early exchange. If it goes the distance then Bob wins in a lopsided decision.
Considering Hopkins didn’t get stopped in the ring until he was 51, consider me skeptical regarding Foster’s ability to get a KO stoppage. Hopkins had serious skills, and without knowing my boxing history regarding Foster’s opponents as much as others, I doubt he faced but a couple with Hopkins ability to move and frustrate his opponents (I don’t count Ali). Foster likely would’ve won, but if it went the distance I give Hopkins a great chance to steal a decision.
I understand what you're saying but Hopkins never faced a fighter like Foster, Hopkins would be backing up constantly as Bob had a far superior jab and power. Hopkins could go the distance if he goes into total survival mode, if he tries to win and exchanges with Foster he gets put to sleep.
Great matchup. I believe Foster wins. His LHW reign, jab, power, feints, and ring generalship are too much for Hopkins.
Good post, Bob Foster could fight for 15 rounds as evidenced in his title defense against Ray Anderson in 1971, but he carried a lot of power in his left hook, and he was rangy.