What do you think? Hopkins wouldn't have had the same work rate and stamina and he would've played a more cautious fight while Johnson would've come at him with everything? Would Hopkins counter effectively enough to level off Johnson's attack or did Johnson have the right ingredients to overwhelm Hopkins with his work rate as Hopkins obviously had trouble with guys who were busy enough later in his career (Taylor and Calzaghe)? Thought?
hopkins would probably lose a razor sharp ud and complain about how he won that fight for months just like taylor, calzaghe
That's my line of thinking. This version of Johnson is just too determined and busy and in your face to lose to a decision or get KOed. Plus, he's got a granite chin. When they fought, Hopkins broke Johnson down from a steady dose of power shots. This version of Hopkins no longer does that. Sure Hopkins will get in beautiful counter shots but like Taylor and Calzaghe, not enough in the eyes of judges.
Another way to look at it would be that the 2005 Hopkins was a year younger than the version that dominated Antonio Tarver AFTER Tarver beat Johnson. If we're assuming that the fight takes place at 175, I think Hopkins takes a decision win. That version of Hopkins might not allow Johnson to be that busy.
Hopkins looked great against the younger Taylor and greater against Tarver damn good gainst Wright and good against Calzaghe he dropped Joe easily Johnson is the same Johnson that fought Bernard years past the difference is defense can Johnson be better in a rematch not Hopkins I see Bernard beating Johnson similar to the way he beat Wright probably more because Winky's hands or faster than Johnson.
It's nothing to do with Joe. Hopkins was a class apart from Johnson when Johnson was very raw. I've seen nothing since then that would suggest anything different would happen Hopkins has established himself as a great fighter, Johnson has been an improver and a great warrior that eventually reached world class level, but had wars with the sort of fighters Hopkins would outclass.
Glad you agree :think Do you really see Johnson beating Hopkins? He's not a good closer of distance. He's too slow and plodding with his footwork, Hopkins will counter him easily. Every time.