I'll bet Calzaghe/Hopkins II happens in the summer

I remember Joe said he doesn't do rematches and doesn't like Bernard so he won't fight him again. As you know Bernard is now saying if he can't get that fight he will retire (not sure I believe it). Apparently he is still getting on Joe's nerves. Joe said regarding Hopkins II, "never say never (especially in boxing) but don't hold you're breath on this one" regarding another fight with B-hop which is a little different tone than saying there is no way he would give him a rematch like he stated before. He doesn't think Dawson is big enough yet. He also said he wished he was in a different weight class so he could fight people like Haye or Wlad but he's just too small. I think he wants to fight but has no one he especially is interested in fighting but if B-hop continues to try and get under his skin I think pride might take over and we will see it happen in Whales later this year. Dawson could build his name up in the meantime (HBO of course is working on that now) and then fight the winner. I see it going down that way.

Also I believe a rematch will be a much better fight than the first showing because neither fighter is obviously thrilled with their performance in that one. I believe they would be much more determined than before (which would be a lot). Essentially both guys want to fight again and and the way they are talking it seems they think the other is the most legitimate opponent. If B-hop went over to Whales to go on the attack I think that would make the fight, and it would be entertaining build-up.

 

Who do you like in a rematch? I think both will be highly determined to put on a better show. I think it will be a close fight again but better.

 

I know but I think B-hop is annoying him again, (IMO) and pride might get to him and he'll take the fight.

 

Yeah I give Bernard a better chance than last time, especially if he comes in with the same determination he did against Pavlik. I'm saying it's about 50/50. I know Bernard said he would go to Whales but Joe actually wants to get more recognition with US fans so I wouldn't be surprised if they went back to Vegas. He doesn't want a "farewell" fight just for his British fans. That's one reason he doesn't care about the Froch fight. This is from the horse's mouth in his article he occasionally writes for a Whales paper. Seems to me he still savors American fans accepting him more than they do.

 

Maybe he will but remember like B-hop he doesn't fight often and doesn't have much wear-and-tear on him either. I think the Dawson fight would happen after regardless because Dawson will have some more time to be built up as far as name recognition, but yeah I wanna see that as well.

 

He would. He wants the fight badly I think, but I believe it will be back in the States again.