I'm talking about the Hopkins that had that incredible run vs the Toney that was THE MAN in the early 1990's. Who wins and how? Shame this never happened, BTW.
Close fights but I'd pick Toney, quicker, more skilled, better puncher Actually I'd give a young Hopkins the best chance as the workrate may be an issue for Toney
Both are ATGs...and this would be close. But I would give the edge to Hopkins mainly due to mobility and consistancy.
Hopkins good footwork and long range fighting would be the key here as Toney likes when fighters come to him and struggles a bit when faced with someone who moves and boxes from the outside,close great technical fight with Hopkins winning a clear decision in a competitive fight.
It's a close fight, but Hopkins of the mid 90's might be able to outhussle Toney. On the other hand, Toney could very well punish Hopkins for falling in behind his lead right like he di even back then. Especially the Hopkins of the last 10 years would get called on this against a prime Toney.
Peak Hopkins is too smart, too versatile, too mobile, and too controlling for even the best version of Toney. He's also likely to be the busier fighter. 8-4 or 9-3 type decision.
I think Hopkins' lateral movement would give Toney trouble early, but his lack of offensive creativity would eventually find him in range for Toney's right hand, and down the stretch it would land continually. Hopkins can't outfight him on the inside, is at a hand speed disadvantage, and doesn't have the punch variety. Toney UD clearly.
Hopkins by an 8-4 type of decision. Both fighters would be a little to respectful of the other for either to get overly aggressive, and Hopkins would out work Toney in a slow paced technical affair...I don't think this would be boring....but it would be the type of fight that many call boring, due to the lack of fireworks.
I don't know, but it would be quite a tentative and "tactical" fight... Meaning we could be waiting til the fight is over for some actual action. Who goes first? Who goes forward? Those answers would help alot.
Both at their best, Toney in a close fight, he`s a little more accurate, harder to hit & a better inside fighter, were I believe the majority of this fight would take place.
