Dick Tiger vs Bernard Hopkins

I don’t know about this one. I’m not clever but my gut goes with Bhop he’s just so much bigger really and his skills aren’t too far from smaller guys who already beat Tiger. Amplified by the fact he’d be a LHW and I can’t go against him here but Tiger was special, but I don’t think he was the right kind of man for a fight with Hopkins.’

 

I do agree with that. But, with the exception of his losing effort against Roy Jones, most of his Middleweight opposition was pretty dreadful, and, offered very little risk. Most of the times when he stepped up, he won by using negative spoiling tactics. When people like Chad Dawson (Hell,even the somewhat limited Jermain Taylor) ignored his spoiling tactics they were quite successful. Dick Tiger would not be falling for Bernard's usual bag of tricks. Nor would he stop punching. Over 15 rounds, I think he outworks Hopkins for a decision.

 

Agree with you, but as far as Hopkins' MW competition, it depends on how you view it. Compared to many of the ATG MWs, I agree it pales a bit, but in comparison with today's MW division, a lot of the guys that Hopkins beat would dominate these dudes.

Hopkins was in his 40's when he faced Taylor, who was young and extremely athletic - still the fights were razor close, with many believing Hopkins won the *second match. As Bernard got older, his spoiling tactics weren't as effective against these guys that moved well. He was even older against Dawson, it was because of age that Hopkins lost. He was even older still, and gave ATG Calzaghe all he could handle and again, razor thin decision that many (including myself) believe Bernard won. JC's volume punching was negated to a large degree by Hopkins and that bodes well in a fight against Tiger.

*Edit: Oops, meant to say the first fight was razor close, the second was a clearer win for Taylor.

 

If only we had a time machine.....

 

Hopkins was WAY too smart for Tiger who could be made to look ordinary against smart fighters.

 

I think Tiger outworks him to win a close decision.