Not much has been made of this factor so what are your opinions on how he will be at the weight? He will be more natural at the weight so he certainly won't be outmuscled by Hopkins and I'm hoping we are going to see a stronger version of Calzaghe from the Kessler fight. I think the biggest factor will be whether he can retain his speed and stamina at 175, that's the only risk factor in my opinion, I can only see benefits in every other aspect. I also believe there is a chance that Joe's underestimated power may be seen in this fight as he's stated himself he will be punching that much harder with the added weight. Thoughts?
His punching power will be much the same due to the fact he will have slightly slower hand speed at light-heavy.I think he'll have the best stamia for any light-heavy mind,This will be the key for Calzaghe against Hopkins.
I wouldn't say he won't be outmuscled by Hopkins because that's exactly what the Hopkins team are working on ( with Mack Shilstone, get it?). Calzaghe will probably be as strong as he was against Kessler and that is good enough for his quest. The problem is mainly related with leg and body mobility because it is crystal clear that Hopkins will be using his back legs and tryin to use offset movement - you know, giving angles, not moving straight back as Roach told him in the Wright fight or like Hops says " Baiting the fish, put the bait on the hook for the fish and pull back like Roach, J D Jackson and Brother Naazim were shouting from afar" - and Calzaghe has to step in with punches faster without losing his balance... If Calzaghe moves faster and connects with the right lead, corners him and tags him again with the left hook, it's his fight... If Bernard makes Calzaghe miss with a double jab and a str8 left, and if Bernard turns, bounces off the ropes and connects with the "Jersey Joe Walcott shovel hook" ( look at the headbutt slow-motion replay in the Wright fight and during Winky's post fight interview - Winky misses with a double jab and a left and he has the same reach of Joe), it's Hopkins' fight... I don't think Joe's power is underestimated because Nard already said that this will be a tough ( not easy) fight to his own fans who may be taking Joe too lightly. Without wanting to highlight Bernard's case too much, Bernard's punching power is the only one that can be underestimated by the aggressor and result in the benefit of the counterpuncher ( Mayweather-Hatton, Katsidis-Casamayor and many other examples)... I don't think Joe will underestimate Bernard's punching power either, and he will not walk through punches like he did against Kessler in the eight round and in Wales.
Calzaghe would be more suspect to hurt his hands with his ******ed punch technique. These are bigger guys and Bhop has a rock head and can make Calzaghe hit the top of his head. Calzaghe will try to throw the leather and feel the difference more so. Bhop handled Tarver and he is a big puncher at light heavy and actually throws nothing but straight shots. If Bhop is in good shape he will out muscle Calzaghe over the course of the fight.
I Think That Calzaghe In The Us ... Will Hurt Him More Than The Weight Gain ... There Must Be Something In The Air Because - Whenever Those Guys Get Out Of Their Comfort Zone ... They Don't Seem As Good. I Think That Calzaghe Will Just As Effective At 175 And Fall Victim Just Like Hamed, Hatton, And Woods.
