* I meant Hopkins above, not Hagler! vote accordingly I watched SRL v Hagler for the first time last week. I did the scorecard thing but I cant find it right now. I had SRL winning pretty comfortably by 8-4 or 9-3 something like that. There were a lot of rounds where 50 seconds into it, I am ready to give it to Hagler but then SRL pulls out the second half of the round with good defense and nice combinations. I can see why people might want to back Hagler as SRL was bending rules with the holding, showboating and intentionally hitting after the bell atleast twice. But he just outlanded Hagler so I have to give the fight to him. Anyway, I thought that SRL must have gotten to Hagler mentally because he was lured into fighting SRL's fight and seemed angry and unfocused. I was thinking Hopkins might do better because he is a very smart and tricky fighter and he wouldnt get duped into getting off his gameplan. He also has a good defense to avoid those combinations and he would punish Leonard on the inside if SRL tried too much holding. The only thing Im worried about is Hops not being active enough. How do you guys think it would go?
The Hopkins from the Trinidad fight had far more speed than Hagler that night. He also possessed something very important that Hagler never had in his locker against Leonard, combinations. Hopkins's defense and ring generalship was from a different planet compared to the slow plodding Hagler. Hopkins UD.
anymore opinions? Ive added a poll. I didnt include decision vs KO because I assume a KO would be unlikely.
SRL ud. Speedy fighters seemed to give Hopkins the most trouble. Also Leonards combinations were good enough to score against Hopkins (no easy feat I imagine!). Leoard outworks him and scores well to the body as well.
Hopkins wins a fairly easy decision. I had Leonard beating Hagler, but occasional flurries and showboating tactics aren't going to beat prime Hopkins. SRL was able to out-smart and out-general Hagler, not happening here.
Although I think Hopkins is a tad overated on this board, I think he wins a decision. The Hagler fight was a once in a lifetime effort for Leonard - the extreme preparation, the planning that had been going on for years. Leonard gave it his all in that fight. I just don't think that the motivation would be the same for a Hopkins fight as it would be for a long term rival like Hagler. This must be taken into account. Without that motivation and superhuman effort, Hopkins wins a competitive UD, hurting Leonard along the way.
Hopkins has the height and reach of Hearns, although not as busy with the jab on the outside. He's also got the inside strength and durability of Hagler. I cant see Leonard getting the better of Hopkins over the distance.
If it was anything else we'd scream FIX as it's all but gauranteed that one judge will have it 118/110 for the egomaniac's-egomaniac:deal
