Put Hopkins in another era, does he stick out as much?

Hopkins would always be a top caliber fighter, just not a long-reigning one for 20 defenses. I think this is true for many long-reigning champs if they were in stronger eras. Joe Louis wouldn't have 25 title defenses if he were 30 years younger. Felix Trinidad wouldn't have 15 title defenses at WW if he were 10-15 years older.

In regards to elite fighters not being elite in other eras, it depends on one's definition of elite. Joe Calzaghe was an elite fighter, but what if he were born 20-25 years earlier? No 168 lb. division, he'd be tackling on the likes of Saad, Qawi, Spinks, etc...at 175. He'd be a solid contender, maybe hold a title for a little while, would that be considered elite?

 

He'd be a top 5 if not better middleweight in any era.

 

very entertaining fight.

Wonder if Hop should have stayed up at Super Middle all those years?

 

Hopkins never defended the mw title 20 times, he defended the IBF title 20 times. Big difference.