Hopkins made his bones beating smaller men. He was as adept a fighter who has ever lived at keeping the pressure on without leaving himself open to the type of counter-flurry, showboating plan that Leonard would have to bring. Hopkins would probably end up wasting less shots than the smaller man, who would find himself exhausted in against a man who can pressure fight in the most educated manner possible who is also the fresher. Things would probably hang in the balance - or appear to - after 6 or 7, but I don't think the smaller older man hears the bell. Leonard is forced to return fire and after some success gets hurt and stopped.
I like this post! Very good at describing B-Hop, and i think i must agree with your analysis of the fight, although i dont think it gets stoppd
My first post on this site. Great question! After much deliberation I feel Ray's hand speed and ring movement would be the deciding factor. I can't imagine B-Hop persuing with the same intensity as Hagler ( if at all). I also don't think that after the loss to Duran in Montreal that Leonard would be looking to get inside against another superb counterpuncher like Hopkins. Hopkins simply doesn't have the good long outside jab ( a la Tommy Hearns) that would demand this. Therefore, i think it would be rather more of a tactical affair with Leonard constantly moving side to side carefully choosing the exchanges jabbing his way in , putting together quick combinations and getting out . Some people refer to this as "stealing rounds". Leonard was a master at this. Hopkins on the other hand has probably had more rounds " stolen " from him than any other contemporary boxer i can think of. Hopkins short overhand right could be trouble for Leonard late in the fight ( like it was for Calzaghe early) but i can't imagine either fighter scoring a KO. Leonard by decision most likely.
