Hopkins vs Calzaghe (Observations on second viewing)

Cheers Greg :good. Macho it was probably a left cross as Joe's southpaw.

Paulie i think Hopkins couldn't make the next move i really think he wasn't able to step out of that plan and offer Joe another face, people forget even though i had him beating Taylor he didn't shine in that one when posed problems with speed he sort of went along with it and kept it closer then it need be cos i really think Hopkins should of laid waste to Taylor.

What Joe did well and better then Taylor for me was cut the ring off and force Hopkins to move his feet to his tune and engaged him for the full 3 minutes and Hopkins tired.

Bernard likes a economical fight and pace, he found Calzaghe's movements awkward and hard to handle once Joe fully loosened up in the 3rd round. Joe would feint, if B-Hop used a half step back, Joe would pull his punch and stay low and work his way back closer with the distracting jab as i call it and then mooch in and drop a left hand in to body or around to head.

 

:good

Yeah he talked like he busted Joe up, Admittedly he cut the bridge of the nose but TBH Joe didn't look marked up that much himself.

Looking back the corner of John David Jackson, Brother Naazim and Roach they really didn't come up with much for Bernard. Maybe to many chefs but i think it was a fight where Roach and Hopkins lacked the bond and knowledge of one another in those deep waters when you know someone for years and know how they tick and what they can and can't do you work with those tools better Roach is a more offensive type coach and he wanted the left hook in behind the right hand but not a lot else from what i heard in between rounds.

Naazim stayed calm and didn't get to involved but still must of had a few words to Freddie and Nard at times. Dean Powell was good for Joe in corner i must say..

 

The Hopkins low blow stuff was Hopkins tired but also hindering Calzaghe's rhythm. He knew Joe had won the two previous rounds and had to find a way to stop the rhythm fighters rhythm so he got the fight stopped when he had a chance.

He got more aggressive and had some success as Joe lost his way after that break for round 10.

HBO's commentary in round 1 made Calzaghe's victory all the sweeter. Anyone who's heard it knows. Calzaghe got dropped by Eubank supposedly..

 

Cheers for replies lads :good, Genuinely shocked some are going back to rewatch it . It's never been one of the most loved fights but rewatching it as messy as it was as Greg said it's was a nice tactical fight just lacked the clean work really.

Shocked how wide Lederman had it on his card i thought he'd of had Hopkins but 7 rounds .