Bernard hopkins of today was a completely different fighter 15 (??) years ago he used to bulldoze through his opponents and enjoy the ko - good offense He is a comepltetly different fighter as he has ages- counterpunching and crafty.
Muhammad Ali using less movement and fighting off the ropes a lot more (Frazier 1 and 3, Foreman, Spinks) later in his career. Marvin Hagler turning aggressive brawler for the Hearns fight. Matthew Franklin/Saad Muhammad was said to be more of a defensive boxer in his early days, before his fights turned into life and death wars. I haven't seen those fights though. George Foreman was much more of a relaxed, patient technician in his 2nd career.
nah Hopkins has always been a crafty counterpuncher just now he conserves his stamina due to his age and is even more defensive cause his reflexes are understandably slower. His style is still similar just adapted to his age. Also his power at LHW is not what it was at MW
Barerra used to be a typical stright forward left hooking Mexican brawler but he adapted into a fine all around machine.
Wlad used to throw every punch in the book early in his career and threw caution to the wind before his losses.
You could argue that the Marquez brothers have met each other in the middle, with Juan turning from a boxer into a boxer-puncher and Rafael turning from a brawler into a boxer-puncher.
I havent seen a lot of those fights either Thread...his wars are so much funner. But you can see he was a guy with excellent technical ability and skills, especially in an offensive role...He just was forced to abandon them on occasion. Watch his fights with Conteh and Mwale he was quite methodical and patient, when he wanted to be. The Mwale KO is vintage MSM.
not really more like roy jones went from knocking you out with his speed and power to just beating you with his speed and win a decision. When he was younger he was always going for the knockout win then all of a sudden he was satisfied by just beating you by decision.
John Ruiz was an all round boxer at one time. Then he invented the jab and grab, and became a champion among champions.
Saad-Mwale is one of the best uppercuts I've ever seen landed. My #1 is still Michael Spinks-Marvin Johnson. Saad's first fight with Marvin is #3 on the best fights I've ever seen, behind Corrales-Castillo 1 and Ali-Frazier 3. I love that fight. I remember Nigel Collins saying those guys only got paid like $2,500 for it. I think he was a Philly writer back then.
