So i'm interested in how the classic section thinks Bernard would have done had he fought in the talent riddled era just before his own. I know he fought during this time period but you guys know what i mean. I'm throwing in the top fighters in that range 160-168. I'd like to think that he'd want the top competition and since he's a big middleweight 168 wouldn't have been a problem. I think any honest fan knows that his middleweight run was against pretty terrible compitition and i'd really enjoy hearing everyones opinions on how Hopkins matches up against these guys. Who would you favour over him and if you're interested enough to offer your opinion of actually breaking down the matchup stylistically that'd be ideal. Toney Jones Jr (i know this happened, do you think Bernard ever could have won) Mcclellan Mccallum Nunn Jackson Benn Eubank Watson Kalambay Liles Collins Calzaghe (earlier than they did) (i know i'm probably forgetting a couple guys, help me out)
Toney - tricky 1, I sort of favour Toney at his best but would be very close Jones Jr - Jones wins 100 times out of 100, he won 9rounds with a broke hand Mcclellan - Hopkins should outbox him, but the GMAN Mccallum - tricky fight, I think BHOPS can edge it in a very close 1 Nunn - tough call, Hopkins does very well against southpaws so I favour him perhaps but Nunn can be a nightmare to outbox Jackson - Hopkins late stoppage Benn - I hate to say this but Hopkins late KO but he would be pulled into a war early and maybe put down, I'd be gunning for Benn Eubank - Hopkins UD, Chris could be outboxed and outworked Watson - Watson was good but this is a level above him Kalambay - Hopkins close UD Liles - Hopkins UD Collins - Hopkins wide UD Calzaghe - Hopkins wins, I thought he won anyway, BTW Calzage wasnt around in 95 You forgot: Hagler - Hopkins UD HEarns - maybe a Hops late KO, but Hops has loads of problems with Tommy's speed and jab Leonard - I think Leonard may edge him but Hops might grind him down Duran - Hopkins wide UD
It's tough to say really, assuming you ren't just wanting to match him up in peak for peak hypotheticals.IF he had turned pro in 84/85 he probably isn't going to beat a lot of those guys in the eighties.he would start to come into his own around about 1990, assuming he stayed on the same level of imrpovement and stylistic approach he had when he did actually fight. Instead of the jones fight, you might have a comfortable loss to a more primed McCallum, Kalambay, Hearns, or aging Hagler etc.. Maybe he establishes himself by upsetting Nunn, then goes on to fight Toney a few times, maybe a few of the British guys,or a rematch with an older McCallum.Has a nice run all said until two losses while battling age and dwindling energy levels at the weight to the tepid John David Jackson. Then moves up past his prime, and instead of fighting the inept weight drained Tarver, fat Winky etc. loses a Philly showdown with Saad Muhammed(who is bizarrely fighting in this era as well), getting comprehensively outjabbed and knocked out by a seres of thudding right hands, after having 2 points docked for holding and time wasting.Fight was surprisingly one-sided after Hopkins seemed to be doing well for 3 rounds.
Good post, I enjoyed it. I think he might be poison for an older Hagler, though. I bet he'd be after that fight.
Saad never beat anyone even pathetically capable post Qawi II (1982) and was smashed by numerous absolute rumpers. Fat Winky and weight drained Tarver would have killed the Saad of 86 forward. He was inept, sad as it was.
I think he'd beat Hagler. I think he'd frustrate Hagler with hitting & holding and leaning in with the head enough and create some openings for him to box a disciplined fight and take a decison. I think he'd force Hagler into looking for the knockout and play into Bernard's hands and allow him to set the pace and fight the fight that he wants to fight.
Big can of worms there I think you've opened up. I will say this: It's a terrible shame to me that a fresh Toney didn't fight Bernard at some point. It would have been one of the most interesting matches available. And then you could take the comparison to their mutual opponent, Jones. Just be very, very interesting.
awesome fantasy career, i enjoyed reading your scenario. Yeah Toney Hopkins back in the day would have been beautiful to watch. I think it should happen right now. He wanted Jones and Jones lost, why not fight Toney at a catchweight? Toney has more ability left in him than Jones and it would make for a better fight. Toney seems to be having a hard time getting a fight at Heavyweight, he should use that big mouth to coax Hopkins into a fight imo.
LOLOL ...........Big Hopkins fan are we? 'oooo Hopkins can beat Benn, Hagler, Hearns EVERYONE' LOLOLOL. Shame he fought tiny Tito and Dela-tranny. Christ he even ran from Howard Eastman and you're saying he beats Hagler, Benn, Toney, Hearns.......lololol........and some by KO. HAHAH, I'd even pick a prime Watson to beat Hopkins, no doubt. Watson went 11 with McCallum whilst having the flu,after a year out the ring AND a broken nose. Watson took out Benn in 6, I'm pretty sure he can handle Ploppy Hoppy. FAR too many Hopkins nuthuggers around for a guy who beat no one at middleweight.
I like Toney by decision as well as Jones. The ones that could possable beat him are McCallum & Kalambey. He can pretty much handle the rest.
Hopkins would have been stopped by the incredible hulk named Marvin Haggler whom in common have served there time in the penitentiary to come back as better fighters and people. I would have liked to see this match up but I think Haggler would have presevered.
