Prime v prime: Carlos monzon v bernard hopkins at mw?

Monzon's dominant, superior left hand work should win him a competitive, technically interesting decision.

 

I pick Monzon.
There were few boxers that were able to outbox Bhop - Jones Jr., Taylor, Calzaghe. Winky in spite of terrible cut opened by headbutt in early rounds also caused him a lot of trouble and I'm not sure that Hopkins deserved to win that fight.
On the other hand there was no man that could beat Monzon. He always had something more than his opponent and he pulled it out when he needed it to win.
I say Monzon beats Hopkins on points - rather close and not entertaining fight it would be IMO.

 

But Monzon doesn't bear any stylistic resemblance to any of those fighters. I actually think his speed is under-rated, but he doesn't have the speed or the flurrying ability of young Taylor or Calzaghe. (Not to mention the fact that B-Hop was far from a spring chicken when those losses occurred.) Monzon was good at what he did, but hailing him as the second incarnation of Ray Robinson is just stupid.

 

Joe Louis said the same about Rocky. No need to argue that.

 

I go with Monzon .I would pick at least 5 middles who, I think beat B Hop, but, NO 160 pounder has a walk in the park with Hopkins ,and, if the best of them are slightly off on the night, he wins.

 

And I actually think he is right.

 

Carlos UD everytime.

 

Monzon. All things being equal (and I'm not necessarily saying they are), Monzon has the better and busier jab. Rougher and maybe even craftier than Hopkins too. I'll take Monzon by decision.

 

I think Hopkins would be a harder fight for Monzon than Hagler.

I still see Carlos winning but it would be close enough for Hopkins to complain about the decision.

 

Hopkins in a tight decision for me.