Calzaghe can win a decision if Hopkins enters the ring as lethargic as Calzaghe fans would like to believe. However, what many of them do not realize is that Hopkins is a crafty fighter with an uncanny knack for both forcing his opponent out of his game plan whilst simultaneously imposing his will unto him. Hopkins is going to outclass Calzaghe. Many posters at ESB are going to be surprised, but I won't. I concur with the thread's author: Hopkins UD is the most likely outcome, although, don't be surprised if Hopkins wins via late stoppage. :smoke
I agree in the sense that with a guy like Joe C, Hopkins will have more chances to counter punch. And i definitely see Hopkins landing a bunch of right hand counters. But i disagree in the sense that he loves fighting guys who stay busy JT's activity in both fights kept Hopkins more tentative. If anything, i think he prefers fighting guys who play cat and mouse. That way he can pick his spots. Tarver tried to play cat and house and he lost that battle big time. Hopkins changed his style up against Wright with side to side movement and then coming in with flurries and going back out. I'm just curious to see his plan for Joe C. My guess is that it will be similiar to the plan he used against Wright. A lot of movement. Force Joe C to follow him and then when Joe C comes in, throw the counters. And when the action is outside, dictate the action by coming in with flurries like he did against Wright and then go back out. Dictate the action. I see Hops doing it. He's too intelligent.
Calzaghe only wins on points if Hopkins still has anything left - I'm not so confident that Joe can stop him at 35.
Hops better not get put on the back foot on the ropes like many Calzaghe victims or he'll get overwhelmed and stopped.
Absolutely. The outcome of this fight is going to come down to a lot more than hand speed. Hopkins is very awkward, loves southpaws and will frustrate Calzaghe to no end. UD Hopkins or late stoppage.
Hopkins was on the back foot on the ropes against Taylor and lost. Calzaghe will do a better job. Rumsfeld doesn't judge how godly fighters are very well.
bloody hell. it seems the closer this fight gets the more underrated calzaghe is becoming. there is no way hopkins stops him, absolutely none. how exactly have you come to this conclusion?
Calzaghe should win this with plenty to spare. On the other hand, if Hop does win, it must go down as one of the greatest victories in the past 20 years. I cannot see how anyone could play it down.
The 21 idiots who voted for shitty Hopkins please bet all your money on him. Hopefully he will perform exactly like he always has. Fight half the fight, throw 10 punches per round, then ***** when he loses. On the way he'll probably cheat by fighting dirty too. That being said, he has no chance whatsoever at beating Calzaghe. Ever. So bet on him.