He's only 3 years younger than roy and roy looked like TRASH! are boxing years kinda like dog years or something and 3 years in boxing is a really long time? does it have to do with the level of calz opponents (never been in many brutal fights ... to my knowledge) does it have to do with calz lack of fights ( i just checked and he had like 120+ ametuer fights supposedly so i doubt that) im not saying any of these reasons are THE MAIN REASONS... but im curious to know why he looks pretty good seeing how he should be at the end of his career... as far as skills go
1) He has learned boxing fundamentals Thoroughly and then some. 2) He has a very awkward style and is difficult to hit flush with power 3) His conditioning is unparalleled 4) He's smarter than other fighters 5) He has a hellacious chin Because of the above, he has very little wear from 46 pro fights (plus amateur)
He is amazing for a guy who has fought professionally since 1993, had so many injuries and still is like a machine just rolling on and on. Hes a fabulous fighter and its only due to Frank Warren and his lack of getting big fights for joe that deprived the u.s audience of seeing him years ago.
He actually AVOIDS punches, unlike Ricky Hatton who is much younger (29 vs 36) but looks like an old man. Plus, JC stays in shape between bouts, again, unlike Ricky Hatton who blows up to whale li ke proportions between bouts.
I think his body type gives him his unreal stamina and probably helps his longevity. He's built like a top tennis pro rather than a typical boxer. You can see the signs of age though, he's definitely lost some muscle definition and not just because of going up to LHW.
Styles. Jones relied on athleticism and reflexes, it's the first thing to go away. Hopkins is relying on his great technique, intelligence, defence, timing, these last "forever" if your body follows.
age has nothing to with it. Vargas is more than ten years younger than Hopkins and is more shot than him.
but just as a human... everyone slows down once they hit the 30's.... in most cases atleast.... seeing bhop & calz do it again would be nice... imagine what it would do for bhop's career... its crazy tho... he looks fresh as **** at his age... he fought like he was in his 20's
Hopkins was peaking around Joes age, fighters age differently. Joe has great longevity. He hasn't fought that frequently though, that may play a part.
He never spars and generally takes care of himself. Many boxers pound on punching bags over and over again and after years of that their hands, elbows, shoulders etc. obviously go. He is just a smart fighter and actually I think he is the most well-preserved fighter out there age-for-age. Hopkins is of course special, but I dont know if that is because he also never spars and generally do low-impact training like Joe, or because he has special genes.