Hopkins was far better than Leonard at middle, Ray got hit with far more punches v Hagler than B-hop would have, Ray would have to be at his fastest to beat B-hop and his fastest weight was welter.
Leonard: You would have to say Leonard because he didn’t [just] move, he ran. It was hard to catch him. I wanted to fight because that’s what I am, I’m a champion. I’m a fighter and came to fight. I believe in that fight, I came in as an underdog. This guy didn’t want to take away my title, he wanted to survive, and it’s hard to beat a guy who just wants to survive. This is a quote from the ring magazine from Hagler about Ray`s performancde against him.
Hopkins would be hard to beat, but the style of Ray to hit and not get hit is a tough one. I think Ray is better head to head no doubt, but the size issue. Hopkins was a big middleweight. It would be tough for Ray. He got Hagler on one of Hagler's off nights.
I think Hopkins is over rated. Echols. Really? Tito's dad in the 11 and a half over under mark. He won but Tito was in no danger. Jones was older. It was best said he was dedicated to training and admirable at 45+. But intimidation wise I'd be twice as scared in an altercation with 90's top welters. And at least that not as well with various not legendary middle weights.
And sorry for not mentioning this earlier as in keeping with the post but as long as Leonard wasn't ancient, I see an easy points win as Hopkins is a very dedicated athlete but mostly so workman like and slow. Segundo Mercado? Mountains thin air story?
Hopkins is the bigger bully here. Hop would out muscle Ray, tie him up and outpoint him in a 15 rounder
Hopkins would be the bully in there. The Leonard that fought Hagler would struggle to finish imo. Hopkins would be the opposite of Hagler and do everything right tactically.
Hopkins beat's Sugar ,something like 8 rounds to 4. Sugar wouldn't get any kind of advantage over Bernard ,he'd find himself getting worked over in a typically Hopkins way. No chance of stealing many rounds for Ray ,he'd look very ordinary here.
Hopkins looked to have slowed quite a bit against DLH, so maybe Ray could make it close over 12. Think Ray's speed could trouble Bernard. And maybe, just maybe, he could edge it. Against prime Hopkins, I think it would be more of a survival job for Leonard, though.
So who chases who in this one? Leonard wouldn't be the aggressor here and old man Hopkins wouldn't oblige Leonard like Hagler did by chasing him around the ring. I expect it'd be pretty dull and could go either way.
The gent who said hop overated was right on Ray wouldn't be small welter like De la hoya,Tito who really did he beat of eal ability like Tiger,GIARDELLO,Webb...….noboby but carl daniels hahaha give me a break