You know I often think about this bout and really its hard to speculate how Nard would have gone against someone as tricky as Joey. Absolutely no one Nard fought was as tricky, and old school as Joey was..Nard was the old school guy in today's game and during his reign had no one who came close to matching that. Probably the closest was Echols who was just basically a bull strong, hard hitting and dirty brawler whose skills were lightyears below elite. He fought guys at middleweight who were faster then Joey, bigger and who could punch harder but as overall skilled and crafty I dont think so. As for Joey...well he proved himself time and time again against guys of very high quality. I think there is more evidence to suggest Joey is capable of handling a guy like Bernard then there is the other way around. Really dont know about this one..But Ive always tended to think that Hopkins speed of hand and foot would probably be the difference. As from what I can gather thats something that Joey did not enjoy.
Giardello had skills to match Hopkins, there's no doubt of that. However, seeing as the jab is the only thing Joey can boast a glaring superiority over Hopkins, it's hard for me to picture him winning the decision. Plus, Hopkins being the taller fighter and a spoiler negates that somewhat (coupled by the fact that Giardello was no all-time great jabber in the first). They both specialize in the use of the right hand and it is hard to discern who is the better in that department. It can be argued that Giardello's was the crisper punch, but B-Hop definitely had the more powerful one. Hopkins by UD, for me. He's the bigger, stronger man, and, in this case, that might just be enough to clinch it.
Hard to tell. I think Joey might be able to use that sneak right hand of his to keep Hops at bay and foil his attempts to make "his" kind of fight.
Both got sneaky rights. I have to think about the possible outcome..............I'm a bit of a Hop admirer have to think harder before I make a rush decision.
Joey was a bit up and down in form but at his best he could beat Hopkins I feel. Best vs. Best it's hard to split them, perhaps I'd give Joey an edge.
