Bernard Hopkins vs Mike McCallum at 156lbs, 160lbs and 175lbs

Has been done countless times. At 160, Mc Callum wins a close decision. At 175 both were past it so I do not see the point

 

McCallum is better, apart from light heavy

 

Hopkins style might be poison for McCallum I think. Both @ 160 and 175 I just think that Hopkins’ clever tactics, defense, and his ability to neutralize his opponents best assets would befuddle McCallum. McCallum always had trouble with fighters who uses movements and forcing him to lead.

 

Hopkins at 156, 160, and 175.

 

At 156, Mc Callum wins as well. Mike has the better jab

 

I have to go with Mike, who I consider to a better all round fighter. Mike proved he could hold his own against slicksters Hopkins never really proved that.

 

Mike proved he could hold his own against EVERYONE

 

Can't see Hopkins getting so thoroughly out-boxed by Kalambay. I think footwork is key here, and Hopkins held the edge there without question.

 

Can you see Mike being decked by Mercado?

 

I believe Mike has a more varied and versatile skill set. Hopkins isnt setting any traps for Mike and making him fight his fight.
I rate Mike as the better fighter and would pick him at the lighter weight but Hopkins is more proven at MW and LHW. MW is still 50/50 to me. Hopkins takes a decision at 175

 

No, but I don't think Hopkins was quite prime then, either. McCallum was absolutely prime when Kalambay boxed circles around him.

 

Hopkins was 30 and had been pro for seven years. I think he was near enough prime. Mike was 32 and was thought at the time to be getting on in years, but he showed later that he still had good years left. I don't think he was ever quite the same at 160 as 154, though.

 

Are we forgetting that Mike beat Kalambay in the rematch?

He went over to Italy for that first fight, a different time zone etc and the Italians used to knock on your hotel room door at 4am and turn the heaters on full blast in your dressing room.

Mike hadn't seen tapes of Sumbu, saw he lost to Kalule (who McCallum beat up) so just assumed he was an average fighter! It was his first fight at middle, too; he only moved up to chase Leonard, Hearns and Duran (could still make junior-middle).