Bernard Hopkins vs. Ray Leonard, at 160, who wins?

We have never seen prime Leonard at 160 so I would go with Hopkins just cause he is more proven at that weight.

 

I don't think Leonard was ever anywhere near his peak at 160, but he was still good enough to edge a past-prime Hagler there I suppose. I think Leonard would be a tough stylistic match for B-Hop. Although I am a huge Hopkins fan and I think he would beat a peak Marvin Hagler, I would not be surprised if Leonard sneaked a decision. Then again, the Hopkins of 2001 was just so big and solid at mw, had such skill and will. **** it, I can't pick a winner here.

 

Hopkins his prime weight was 160 SRL wasn't

 

I just can't help but think that the guy who came from way behind with a swollen eye to KO Hearns, and beat Duran easily in the rematch, and who came back after a long layoff to steal a decision from Hagler, and who ended Benitez's unbeaten record, would find a way to decision Hopkins. Leonard split decision.

 

i'm taking bhop

 

gotta take leonard by SD in a calzaghe'esq performance

 

The Calzaghe fight with Hopkins in no way reflects how this fight would go for SO many reasons....

As for this match-up, I see Hopkins outpointing Leonard. Bigger and better at Middleweight.

 

SRL by decision. They are both intelligent, but SRL would beat him with speed and boxing. I can't see Hopkins pulling that hit and hold stuff. SRL would just flurring and set-up combos with some pop. SRL was not small. I believe he is 5'10 or 11. He packed the weight on very well for a MW. He also went up to 168/175 and did well. It would be a little simalar to the RJJ fight only SRL would have two hands.

 

160 wasnt Leonard's prime...

Hopkins UD

 

Hopkins didn't hit and hold in his prime. He was an intelligent fighter who could pick apart an opponent, apply intelligent pressure, etc..

 

This could turn into a dispute. I respect Hopkins and remember when he was a number one contender for a long time before he was given a chance to a title, but who exactly did he fight? Mercado and Allen spring out due to rematches. RJJ, Lipsey, Jackson, and Echols. I don't have to get into SRL resume. Hopkins was considered great once he started beating up on WW's. Hopkins is smart, but I believe SRL was smarter in the ring.

 

I missed the part of Hopkins being considered prime for a WW/JMW in Tito. If we base Hopkins on that fight against SRL on the Hagler fight. SRL all the way. One fought a smaller man and one fought a bigger man. I don't see Hopkins beating SRL during the Tito fight or when he was much younger holding belts. I have much respect for Hopkins and all of his skills and abilities, but beating SRL, no.