Middleweight Fantasy King of the Hill 5/12- Hopkins vs Marshall

Are you taking the early career version of Marshall who actually weighed within 160lbs, or the prime version who was typically mid to high 160's, on the basis that the day before weigh ins of Hopkins era, would likely mean he would be able to make MW?

 

So: looking at their records, I think Marshall is a little inconsistent to be relaibly picked against Hopkins. That said, looking at the footage, Marshall is one slippery SOB who makes it hard for his opponents to land clean on him, and who seems to have a decent amount of power himself.

I'll pick Hopkins on record, but I think stylistically Marshall is going to be a significant challenge to Hopkins. Kind of like Hopkins vs Calzaghe. Calzaghe won, but he looked like **** in doing so. Hopkins wins, but looks poor in the win.

 

I'm voting Marshall by stoppage, because Marshall certainly could... Hopkins is losing either way, I'm guessing.

However, because there usually is a 'however', Hopkins would have been seen & competing as a L-HW cum HW in Marshall's era, that maybe suggest Hopkins being a bit too big - Height & Weight wise, bringing in a 'spoilers' victory, which he, Hopkins, is more at home in perpetrating.

 

How do you evaluate the record of a mob controlled fighter who was sometimes forced to do business ?

 

Marshall has some great wins over Charles and Burley but Hopkins dominance, foundamentals, stamina, consistency and lack of mistakes means I have to strongly lean towards him winning. I mentioned stamina, the Hopkins in his 20s and 30s was a machine with his workrate. While he was still elite in his 40s he had to find ways to fight at a slower pace or steal a breath here or there.

 

But all fighters aren't wearing handcuffs in some of their fights.

 

I've made a pick ,Marshall by dec,I was really referring to those talking about Marshall's losses. Marshall would have been Lhvy champ if he could have gotten Lesnevich into a ring ,and he beat up Mills his successor.I admit I'm not high on Hopkins,I find him a boringly cynical fighter,but I do admire his dedication to his craft ,and his longevity.