January 1994 James Toney v "Krusher" Kovalev right now

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by McGrain, Feb 11, 2015.


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  1. Rumsfeld

    Rumsfeld Moderator Staff Member

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    I don't know why so many think Kovalev could have just stopped Hopkins at any point. One of the main reasons Kovalev got to him in the final round was because Hopkins took a few more chances and opened himself up more. He was biding his time throughout the fight, looking for openings that never appeared due to Kovalev's outstanding ability to control the distance. Kovalev was not falling for Hopkins' traps, and was able to "reset" Hopkins every time he tried to lure Kov into something. It was a patient and disciplined approach from Kovalev, and he dominated Hopkins in a way nobody else had.

    But Hopkins still has the defensive prowess and instincts to survive, and nothing I saw indicated the Kovalev was holding back or that he could have forced the issue to stop Hopkins. He didn't need to, as his tactics totally put Hopkins on the defensive mindset (and with good reason). But if he had wanted to, I'm not sure he could have (and I'm not sure he didn't want to).
     
    Rumsfeld, Feb 13, 2015
    Rumsfeld, Feb 13, 2015
    #16
  2. lepinthehood

    lepinthehood When I'm drinking you leave me well alone banned Full Member

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    UD Kovalev.
     
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    #17
  3. lepinthehood

    lepinthehood When I'm drinking you leave me well alone banned Full Member

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    He would hurt toney with body shots, and dont worry Kovalev can hurt any man in the 175lb division. Past Or Present.
     
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    #18
  4. lepinthehood

    lepinthehood When I'm drinking you leave me well alone banned Full Member

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    Kovalev outboxed Hopkins. Hopkins isnt as offensively gifted as toney, but Dont worry toney can be hurt. Hopkins is better on his feet and more commited and fitter than toney. Toneys best win at 175lbs?
     
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    #19
  5. lepinthehood

    lepinthehood When I'm drinking you leave me well alone banned Full Member

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    Kovalev had to literally chase his opponents all around the ring to give them there just desserts. You dont sit in the pocket with KOvalev. unless you want to be stopped and that goes for toney aswell, and i rate james' chin in the top 5 chins of all time.
     
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    lepinthehood, Feb 13, 2015
    #20
  6. Ned Merrill

    Ned Merrill Member Full Member

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    Focused, Toney too slick, suckering Kovalev into those right hands (something Kovalev will ultimately fall victim too, trust that). In this matchup, we would find out if Kovalev know how to fight back. So far today, we don't know.
     
    Ned Merrill, Feb 14, 2015
    Ned Merrill, Feb 14, 2015
    #21
  7. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Is there a fighter at any weight better than Hopkins at suckering guys onto the right?
     
    McGrain, Feb 14, 2015
    McGrain, Feb 14, 2015
    #22
  8. lepinthehood

    lepinthehood When I'm drinking you leave me well alone banned Full Member

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    I think toney would get to KOvalev more because he will actually stand in range most of the time, and roll and fire back with the counter right. Hopkins was too busy running away, hopkins did get him a few times when he built up the courage to throw. I don't think toney would ever turn down going toe to toe with someone, where he could use his sharp counters and greater upper bodymovement. I just don't think Kovalev will be there in front of him all night, Jackson would tell him hell naw! Move sergey! You won't knock this man out! Just outwork him.
     
    lepinthehood, Feb 14, 2015
    lepinthehood, Feb 14, 2015
    #23
  9. burt bienstock

    burt bienstock Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I have been accused of nostalgia by choosing the fighters of my youth. But in my opinion a GGG or Kovalev would do very very nicely against a James Toney or Bernard Hopkins prime for prime. And a James Toney or Bernard Hopkins would not fare very well with the likes of Archue Moore, Ezzard Charles, Jimmy Bivens, Harold Johnson, lest we forget...
     
    burt bienstock, Feb 15, 2015
    burt bienstock, Feb 15, 2015
    #24
  10. Ned Merrill

    Ned Merrill Member Full Member

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    Go back farther, a fight or two. Kovalev, like Kelly Pavlik, is a sucker for the right hand.

    I base my statements on watching him eat right hands against foes from a different hemisphere of skill, than Hopkins.

    Seek and ye shall find.
     
    Ned Merrill, Feb 15, 2015
    Ned Merrill, Feb 15, 2015
    #25
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