How do you see this fight playing out? I think a fight against the man who outclassed a master boxer like Mike McCallum would be a very difficult task for Hopkins IMO.
Hopkins imo. Hopkins' kryptonite isn't any particular style, it's speed. Kalambay is a fine pure boxer, and it's not as if he is slow, but I don't see him posing the problems that Jones' hands or Taylor's rapid jab did personally. It is going to be a pure boxing match, and Hopkins has more or less mastered boxing in a scientific sense. It is hard to out-position and out-movew him when you yourself are a well disciplined scientist. This would be a fine spectacle for those who love the science and it would be essential viewing for any upcoming boxer looking to learn. Hopkins for me, his defense is ****ing impeccable
What Hopkins are we talking about? The Hopkins of '92-'97 was completely different to the Hopkins of '00-'05.
Guess the prime one from ´97 to ´03. I think Hopkins takes it in a close one. This would be a boxing match, like teeto said, and Kalambay was a damned good boxer who would pose problems for any mw. But Hopkins had a few more tricks in his bag and is just so slightly better in what Kalambay is good at. And then something. Since this would be a boxing match it would be close though. Would be fascinating to watch. Good match-up.
Probably a draw, but I expect Hopkins to get outboxed and draw close because he will foul his way into contention.
Kalambay could certainly win this IMO. Hopkins would be forced to lead which he wouldn't do often enough or successfully enough to pull it out clearly. A close fight for sure.
so who's your pick? I don't think Hopkins ever had too much trouble leading except against Roy who hardly did much clean countering himself over te 12, and he's much faster than Kalambay. I think Hopkins has all facets of the game down personally, which is why as I say, there's not a particular style that bothers him, but an attribute that does, which is speed. I would expect a fast handed attacking fighter to do well against Bernard and also a fast handed defensive fighter to do the same. I don't see styles being too much of an issue with him tbh, he's pretty much mastered boxing from a scientific standpoint, but give him great speed and he has a problem to solve. That's my opinion anyway. I definitely don't see a situation wherein Hopkins is unstuck because he has to follow his man around the ring. We're not talking about Dick Tiger here, no disrespect.
notice I've given Kalambay his credit right off the bat with my initial post, cba with people telling me I'm underrating him
Hopkins was a pure leader in the 90s, closing in and letting go - very overwhelming, upright and precise. In the 00s, a defensive counter-puncher with a head-first lead right - very economical, grabbing and fouling.
I like the footwork advantage of Kalambay. Distance bout if there ever was one & neither is going 3-0 in a 3 fight series. Both of them would drop a decision to the other on a < 100% night. It also depends on where the bout is held--I sure don't see Bernard getting a close nod if he's fighting as the road warrior. Interesting match.
The best of Kalambay via decision for me, at his best his fleetfootedness and own excellent boxing ability and acumen and would more than match whatever Hop brings to the table.