Both 43 years old or mid 40's, both still competitive and winning titles at LHW in these ages.. Who wins? Moore has a nod on power, and probably compatible in ring IQ and caginess. . Who you got?
Ughhh! Dream match, and very difficult to predict. Assuming it was at 175, Archie was having his war with Durelle around the time he was 43, and Hopkins outclassed Pavlik after having a difficult bout with Calzaghe. While I definitely think Archie wins this if they were both at or close to their absolute prime, at 43 I can see a scenario where Hopkins edges Moore out in terms of rounds won, with Archie looking a little more dominant in the rounds he won. In a battle of 43 year olds, I think I might take The Executioner over The Old Mongoose. This thread has inspired me to watch Moore-Durelle 1. Been awhile... :smoke
Yeah. I literally take back almost every word I wrote above. Just watched Moore-Durelle 1. I am revising my pick and now think Moore takes him on points. Aside from the power, his jab is awesome as well, and he does so many subtle little things so exceptionally well. Apparently it has been too long since I last saw an Archie Moore fight. Moore via points, be it 12 of 15.
Of course most people would lean towards Archie Moore, being that he fought in a era that preceded this one by a few decades.
As with any opinion to be worthwhile; I feel I need to watch some more footage of Mr. Moore before I can provide a worthwhile choice....great debate. The ones where we will never know the truth are often the most fascinating and intriguing!
Moore was the natural light heavyweight while Hopkins needed to build up to the weight and they say a good big man beats a good small man. Moore would have to be the favourite, he had a clear edge in power, work rate, jab and Moore was very good defensively as well with his shoulder roll, cross arm defence and good judgement of distance. Though he may struggle to draw the lead out of BHop to counter like Moore often liked to do so I don't think it's an easy fight for Moore.
I think Hopkins with his crafty footwork and inside fighting could def win a 12 rd decision. I could see Hopkins smothering Moore up close like he does with everybody.