Bernard Hopkins vs Joe Calzaghe circa 2001

In SMW Joe Calzaghe wins, because H2H is ahead of Hopkins (2001).
In LHW Hopkins wins (2001 and earlier).

 

I think we would have basically seen the same type of match. Calzaghe would have tried to fight with workrate and intensity, Hopkins would have tried to prevent all of this by obstructing and landing cleaner shots. In 2008 Calzaghe won (in my opinion rightly, Hopkins landed too few shots) by split decision, in 2001 maybe Hopkins could have landed a few more shots and won the match, hard to say. It was a close fight, in my opinion it could have ended differently a few years earlier, or not.

 

Hopkins by a lot.

Hopkins had significantly declined between 01 and when he fought Joe.

 

I felt the 2008 fight was a close win for Hopkins. 2001 Hopkins beats 2001 Calzaghe

 

Calzaghe was always going to be bad news for Hopkins, too much output, too much fast twitch, too resistant to negative fighting, underrated strength and extraordinary recuperative powers.

 

I think Calzaghe should win by decision (2001 version)

And the contrary in 2008 Hopkins win by decision

 

Hopkins decision. Which is why Joe would never have taken the fight at this time.

 

I think it would have been close no matter the outcome. My instincts tell me Hopkins would have had more of a chance of winning than he did in 08, but I still feel it's a 50-50 fight.