11 reasons Hopkins' chances are good.

A prime Hopkins would have a good chance at mugging Cal, but this version of him is gonna lose.

 

It took me until the week of the fight to finally make a pick, but this is indeed what I'm gonna go with. I think for one, after Joe's hearing all this time the criticizm that he needs to fight in America, he'll be throwing like crazy trying to impress the American audience. I have envisioned Joe getting seriously stunned by some wicked sneaky counter shot after being frustrated with Nard and his style, backing into the corner with a bewildered look on his face and BHops is going to then close the show in round 9.:yep

 

This Fight Comes Down To One Thing: Which Bernard Hopkins Shows Up?
First There Is The Aggresive Hopkins Who Was "executing" His Opponents Earlier In His Career. (if He Shows Up, We Have A Fight On Our Hands: Hopkins By Wide Decision)
There Is Also The Slick Counter-puncher Who Showed Up Later In His Career And In The Tarver And Wright Fights. (if He Shows Up, It Will Be A Boring, But Close Fight With A Decision For Either That Will Be Disputed For Years)
Then There Is The Lazy Guy Who Tried To Win By Doing As Little As Possible Like In The 2 Taylor Fights. (if He Shows Up He'll Get Beaten Badly)

 

I think hopkins only chance is if he knocks joe out

 

Something that I dont' hear mentioned too often is that Calzaghe is now 36 and moving up in weight. Granted the Kessler fight wasn't that long ago it's not out of the question he may have lost a step and Hopkins could wear him down even more by mugging him inside. Calzaghe still came out blazing in the final rounds of the Bika fight but he definitely looked worn because of Bika's tactics and this was a couple years ago.

 

The closer this fight gets the more I'm leaning towards Hopkins. Styles make fights here and I worry a lot about Joe getting carried away with his American debut. He tried too hard to impress against Bika following his Lacy performance and ended up looking bad, even though he dominated. I can see him being too eager, too confident and making mistakes and getting severely punished for them.

 

Honestly, me too. I can't see him winning a UD against a workhorse like Joe C either. He must KO him, I'm saying about round 9 (if he can).:yep

 

I'm not sure I buy that Joe was off that night or that he wasn't properly motivated for the Bika fight. He said prior to the fight that he really wanted to impress the US HBO audience, which means there was motiviation much like in the Lacy fight. He was also dancing around having fun doing his thing in the ring until Bika started roughing him up. I think Bika's style just through him off his game.

 

I dont think it was an off night either, I think it was a combination of Joe wanting to try too hard to impress the US audience and his opponent's rough style. Sounds familiar to me, that's why I'm concerned.

 

This is my problem with Calzaghe...why listen to a bunch of losers in Team Hattonatsch...a smart champion would want to camp with a winner and a fighter similar in skills: Money Mayweather...I just don't understand why Calzaghe didn't ask for advice from PBF...that gym Mayweather has in China Town (and with those Japanese drums sounding-off next door) would have been perfect mentally for him-I mean he'll be folling in the footsteps of a skilled champion..but nall this I've patriotic crap could well ruin his chances (I still pick Calzaghe) but we shall see...

 

Bernard Hopkins is going to get domiated in every way possible.

 

Wow man I think you are waaaaay off.:-(

 

Well Joe broke his hand in the second and still managed to beat him. Icant see many other boxers fighting one handed against beka.