US fans: 'Come Joe and beat a legend here!' He came, he won, time to give him credit!

No, it's not another thread to disrespect anyone or any country as I respect every fan base and country. In fact, I'm not from the U.K. I just want to hear everyone giving the resptect to a guy who deserves it! He's not only won the fight in his US debut... he got up from the canvas like Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao to win most rounds of the remaining 11... in his FIRST LHW battle, after moving up in weight, vs. a bigger, stronger guy!

He played Hopkins' dirty-ugly-holding game, held and spoiled less, but threw and landed more, and also was more effective according to the stats (higher connect percentage as well!)

Landed more than Taylor in TWO fights, took less than most Hopkins opponents and managed to win despite getting KD and tagged with great inside short hooks in the first few rounds. In the end, he adjusted to the dirty style, neutralized the great old fox who looked just great at 43... Took some great shot in the process? Of course, it was a boxing match for Christ's sake. But was far from losing close rounds as Hopkins did more holding and spoiling and less boxing and brawling. Compared to an avarage Calzaghe fight, it wasn't a good performance. Compared to a Hopkins fight, it was a great performance.



You see, it wasn't a bad fight at all, it was just technical. It was just a Hopkins type of fight and here I'm giving credit to Bernard. Great job at 43 my man! Bernard was P4P#2 on my list for a reason - not for fighting exciting fights, but for defeating names like Glen, Tito DLH, Tarver, Winky etc. and losing only controversial decisions on my cards vs. Taylor.

After 15 years, it's the first time I've scored a fight clean in favor of Hopkins' opponent. For a guy, who got up from the canvas in his LHW, US, vs. P4P-er and vs. legend debut. What more do you want?



I think both guys should get credit. Hopkins made Calzaghe fight his fight and showed Calzaghe is not unbeatable. But Joe just did enough to win and vs. a very crafty old fighter and did what they asked for: he came to Las Vegas, he fought a legend and a P4P-er and won.

Bring on Joe vs. Jones, Hopkins vs. Dawson/Taylor/Tito. I guarantee both will win their next fight!

Time to give credit.

 

In the meantime I want to give credit for those who bought a ticket to this very important fight, even if the undercard was weak. 14.213 (according to ESPN) is a lot more they've estimated in the last few days, so it seems thousands of US fans paid to watch this one at ringside. :thumbsup